The support of elders is a subject rarely dealt with in theology. On the contrary research on the elderly referenced in the bibles has been looked into quite extensively. The seniors depicted in the bible have been observed in both negative and also positive lights. This study will go beyond simply looking over the functional and symbolic metaphors of the aged to delve into the empirical matter of supporting the older generation in the time of the Old Testament and shed light into relevant issues in contemporary society.
Families as described in the Old Testament are quite different to the nuclear families of today. Many generations would live together with staff which may have also included slaves. In modern perspective, a household in the ancient days was not a single family but a labor community of sorts. Family also served as a social safety net for individual members. Social relations and material foundations were not separate but closely intertwined. In such circumstances, the care for senior members happened via households. The fifth of the Ten Commandments “Honor thy father and mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee” underscores the practical issue of caring for the aged. This commandment may be considered ‘the most significant as it is demanding life-long obedience and imposes a massive economic burden,’ and implies social responsibility for your parents who have grown old and infirm. To the Israeli people, the relationship of honoring your parents is at the core of civilization. As God is to be revered, so must your parents. Parents are respected and so is God in turn. Should your father and mother be despised, so shall your God and his people. Should parents fail to command respect, the Israeli people would have become rootless. However this principle of honor leaves room for reconsideration in contemporary society. A comparison of demographics in the two eras will put things into perspective. 2000 years ago, people over the age of 60 consisted of 4.8% of the Roman population. Today 1 out of 4 people are over 60 - a number surpassing the population under 20. Having more people eligible for honor than those doing the honoring is not an easy condition to demand the practice.
The generational contract entered into during the times of the Old Testament - the unsaid promise of raising children who will in turn care for their aging parents - is being increasingly undermined today. The olden ways of family serving as the cornerstone of society; and offspring - especially the sons - supporting their parents and paying traditional tribute to one’s ancestors will gradually wither and one day cease to exist. The care for the elderly will now completely shift from family to the society. Cases in point are various welfare policies for senior citizens and the fact that jobs for this demographic are on the increase to assist with economic independence. From a demographic point of view, it is parental love that will gain greater relevance than supporting the parents. The generational conflicts coming at the heels of the generational contract is an inevitable social phenomenon as the transition from one to the other occurs. Should the author of the Old Testament write the Ten Commandments against today’s backdrop the message on honor thy parents would read love thy children - “Thy shall love your children above thy own flesh.”