The age at which Noah had his sons is noted in Genesis 5:32, which states, “After Noah was 500 years old, Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.” This information is part of the genealogical records in Genesis, which often note the long lifespans of the patriarchs before the Flood.

The long lifespans recorded in the early chapters of Genesis have been a subject of much discussion and various interpretations. These ages are generally understood in several ways:

1. Literal Interpretation: Some readers accept these ages at face value, understanding them within the context of a pre-Flood world that was significantly different from the world we know today. According to this view, factors such as a different environment, closer proximity to the perfection of the created order, or a lack of genetic degradation could have contributed to much longer lifespans.
2. Symbolic Interpretation: Others suggest that these ages may not be literal but could serve a symbolic or theological purpose. For example, the long lifespans could emphasize the historical reality and significance of these patriarchs, their exceptional status in human history, or other symbolic meanings related to numbers in biblical texts.
3. Ancestral Importance: Another perspective considers these ages as a way to elevate the stature and importance of these patriarchal figures. In ancient cultures, longevity was often associated with wisdom, favor from the divine, and authority. Listing such long lifespans for these key figures could underscore their significance in salvation history.

Regarding Noah specifically, his age highlights not just his own significance but also sets the stage for the monumental event of the Flood. Noah’s life, including his obedience in building the ark, his survival of the Flood, and his role in repopulating and renewing the earth, marks a pivotal moment in biblical history. The detail of his age at the birth of his sons may also point to God’s timing in unfolding His plans for humanity, demonstrating that God works through chosen individuals and specific moments in history to achieve His purposes.

In all interpretations, the ages of Noah and the other patriarchs before the Flood serve to connect the readers with a world that was both similar to and distinctly different from our own, bridging the gap between the earliest days of humanity and the ongoing story of God’s relationship with His creation.