Old Age in Smiths Bible Dictionary

The aged occupied a prominent place in the social and political system of the Jews. In private life they were looked up to as the depositaries of knowledge, Job 15:10 the young were ordered to rise up in their presence, Le 19:32 they allowed them to give their opinion first, Job 32:4 they were taught to regard gray hair as a "crown of glory," Pr 16:31; 20:29 The attainment of old age was regarded as a special blessing. Job 5:26 In pubic main qualification of those who acted as the representatives of the people in all matter of difficulty and deliberation. [ELDERS]