Age, Old. 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, Leviticus 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," Proverbs 16:31; Proverbs 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. See Elders.