The answer is: 180

Gen 35:28-29

Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, lived to a remarkable age of 180 years, as noted in Genesis 35:28-29. Beyond just being a number, Isaac’s long lifespan allows us to delve into the rich tapestry of themes surrounding his life.

Isaac, like his father Abraham and his son Jacob, is a pivotal figure within the narratives of the patriarchs. He symbolizes both a continuation of God's covenant promises and the weight of familial expectations. While not the most documented of the patriarchs, his life intersects with key biblical themes of faith, sacrifice, and the complexities of family dynamics. When we think of Isaac, we can’t forget the iconic moment he was nearly sacrificed by Abraham, a heavy foreshadowing of later sacrificial motifs in the Bible.

Despite this intense backdrop, Isaac also represents the quieter moments of life – the wandering and waiting, the farming, and the wells he dug, which speak to productive living amid divine promises. It’s fascinating to note that in Genesis, many of the ancestors appear to live remarkably long lives, reflecting a time when divine presence felt more tangible and life seemed to operate differently than today.

Additionally, the figure of Isaac transitions us to the lineage leading up to the Twelve Tribes of Israel, where the biblical narrative gradually unfolds into grandeur. Each patriarch brings forth significant moments illuminating God’s enduring relationship with humanity. With his 180 years of earthly life, Isaac certainly enters the stage to accomplish distinctively human tasks while operating within the broader scope of divine plans.