Topical Bible: The Eye: Grows Dim by Age

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In the biblical context, the concept of the eye growing dim with age is a metaphorical and literal expression of the natural decline in human faculties as one advances in years. This phenomenon is mentioned in several passages throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both the physical and spiritual implications of aging.

Biblical References:

1. Isaac's Diminished Sight: One of the earliest references to dimming eyesight due to age is found in the account of Isaac. In Genesis 27:1 , it is recorded, "When Isaac was old and his eyes were so dim that he could not see, he called his older son Esau and said to him, 'My son.' 'Here I am,' Esau replied." This passage highlights the physical decline associated with aging, as Isaac's inability to see clearly plays a crucial role in the narrative of Jacob receiving the blessing intended for Esau.

2. Eli's Failing Vision: Another example is the priest Eli, whose eyesight had deteriorated in his old age. 1 Samuel 3:2 states, "And at that time Eli, whose eyesight had grown so dim that he could not see, was lying in his room." Eli's dimming vision symbolizes not only his physical state but also the spiritual decline and the waning influence of his priestly leadership.

3. Moses' Unfailing Eyesight: In contrast, Moses is noted for his exceptional vitality even in old age. Deuteronomy 34:7 records, "Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak, and his vitality had not diminished." This serves as a testament to God's sustaining power and favor upon Moses, distinguishing him from the typical effects of aging.

4. Ecclesiastes on Aging: The book of Ecclesiastes poetically describes the aging process, including the dimming of vision. Ecclesiastes 12:3 refers to the "keepers of the house" trembling and "those who look through the windows" growing dim, metaphorically depicting the decline of physical senses and strength in old age.

Theological Implications:

The dimming of eyesight in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for spiritual insight and discernment. As physical sight diminishes, there is an implicit call to rely more on spiritual vision and understanding. The Scriptures encourage believers to seek wisdom and clarity from God, who provides light and guidance beyond the limitations of human faculties.

Spiritual Lessons:

The accounts of dimming eyesight remind believers of the transient nature of physical life and the importance of preparing for eternity. They underscore the need for spiritual vigilance and the cultivation of inner sight through faith and obedience to God's Word. As physical abilities wane, the reliance on God's strength and wisdom becomes paramount, emphasizing the eternal over the temporal.

In summary, the biblical theme of the eye growing dim with age serves as a poignant reminder of human frailty and the enduring need for divine guidance and spiritual insight throughout the journey of life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 27:1
And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his oldest son, and said to him, My son: and he said to him, Behold, here am I.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 3:2
And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Northern Mountains
... early morning, it hung upright amid the dim haze of ... horses and mules; and as the
establishment grows, more will ... themselves to avert thieves or evil eye from a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xi the northern mountains.htm

Perpetual Youth
... being, like a plant reaching up to the sunlight, grows by its ... The dim eye and shaking
hand, the wrinkled face and thin grey hairs cannot but age the spirit ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/perpetual youth.htm

The Death of Saint David.
... Age had begun to dim the lustre of Saint David's eye, and to ... and many a warrior bold,
Will fall to-day, And turn to clay, Before swift time grows old. ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter sixteen the death of.htm

A vision of the Latter-Day Glories
... shall not, to-day, look through all the dim vista of ... until the Spirit of God touches
your eye, and you ... Onward still it grows, till the snowy peaks of Lebanon ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/a vision of the latter-day.htm

One Worker Preparing for Another
... I revere the man who, in his old age, when there is ... He seemed to have in his mind's
eye some young man ... We pass away, as star by star grows dim; but the eternal ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/one worker preparing for another.htm

"Nunc Dimittis"
... him with those eyes immortal which death cannot dim"the eyes ... in the temple, saw with
the inward eye the real ... as his sun is going down, it grows more glorious ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/nunc dimittis.htm

The New Nature
... Ay, but not only in the poet's eye is there a ... It grows but late and then it dies,
alas how soon! ... the cheeks of this seraphic comeliness, nor dim the brilliant ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the new nature.htm

The Study of the Bible Recommended; and a Method of Studying it ...
... of the age to invent hazy difficulties and dim objections to ... prying, as well as a
most vigilant and observing eye. ... day to the Tree of Life, which grows in the ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon i the study of.htm

The Bitterness and Blessedness of the Brevity of Life
... made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as ... pass on into that funereal band
which grows and moves ... whose juice is healing, against his dim eye-ball"by ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the bitterness and blessedness of.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... As children grow older, the care of parents grows greater. ... he was a hundred and twenty
years old, he needed no spectacles: His eye was not dim, nor his ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm