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NASB | Genesis 15:13 God said to Abram, "Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, where they will be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Genesis 15:13 God said to Abram, "Know for sure that your descendants will be strangers [living temporarily] in a land (Egypt) that is not theirs, where they will be enslaved and oppressed for four hundred years. [Ex 12:40] |
Subject: What do these 430 years mean? |
Bible Note: Hi Bruce, Thank you for your comments. I have responded to each of your remarks below. I have enjoyed this opportunity for the additional study. “1) In the LXX and the Samaritan Penteuch in Ex 12:40-41 refers to the period of time in Egypt and Canaan” We agree on this. However, it is also important to note that Genesis 15:13 is also making reference to Canaan and Egypt. Where it says “strangers dwelling as temporary residents” it is referring to Canaan, not Egypt. See Exodus 6:4 . This phrase is found often and is identified with Canaan. The Hebrews were not strangers in Egypt, but invited residents of the Pharaoh himself and brought to Egypt on Pharaoh’s wagons. “2) the Massoretic Text and the LXX have the period referring only to the sons of Israel.” Galatians 3:16-17 identifies the 430 year time frame. It began with the covenant made with Abraham concerning the coming Messiah. This can be found at Genesis 22:18, the Passover of Isaac for the ram, exactly 430 years before the Passover in Egypt. Genesis 12:41. Shortly after the Passover in Egypt, the law was given in the Ten Commandments. Thus, 430 years from the covenant to the law being given. “3) It is not until Jacob returns that there are sons of Israel in Canaan. Jacob and his sons were in Canaan for 30 years before going to Egypt.” There are numerous reasons why Jacob and his sons were in Canaan for a much longer period than 30 years. The best evidence of more than 30 years is the listing of the descendants of Jacob, who arrived with him in Egypt. Genesis 46:8-27. For instance, Benjamin was born after his parents came into Canaan. Yet when Benjamin arrived in Egypt he had 10 sons. Judah, after Joseph was sold into slavery, married and raised three sons to adults. After which, he had his twin sons Perez and Zerah. When Perez arrived in Egypt he had two sons of his own. These events could not have been accomplished in only 30 years. “4) The period in Egypt was 400 years, it could not be shorter because 1 Chronicles 7:20-27 records each of Ephraim's descendants generations, if the period was 215 years each father would father his son at age 12.” The 215 years is calculated by those who believe that the 430 years began with the call of Abraham, when he was 75 years old. (This does not explain the meaning of the 400 years.) As stated before, I believe the 430 years was from the Passover of Isaac and the 400 years from the birth of Jacob. Jacob was 130 years old when he arrived in Egypt and therefore the stay in Egypt was 270 years, not 215 years. Ephraim was the 2nd son of Joseph born during the abundant years. This would make him about 3-7 years old when the other Hebrews arrived. Let’s say Ephraim was 5 years old and in the 15th and 16th years (of the 270 years) he became the father of Ezer and Elead. They grew up and in the 36th year they were slain. In the 37th year Beriah was born. When Beriah was 23 (in the 60nd year) he became the father of Rephah. When Rephah was 23 (in the 83th year) he became the father of Resheph. When Resheph was 23(in the 106th year) he became the father of Telah. When Telah was 23 ( in the 129th year) he became the father of Tahah. When Tahah was 23 ( in the 152 year) he became the father of Ladan. When Ladan was 23 (in the 175th year) he became the father of Ammihud. When Ammihud was 23 (in the 198th year) he became the father of Elishama. When Elishama was 23 (in the 221st year) he became the father of Nun. When Nun was 23 (in the 244th year) he became the father of Joshua. And when Joshua was 26 (in the 270th year of the Hebrews being in Egypt, he became a “young” aid to Moses.) Exodus 33:11. Of course the above are all estimates, but it clearly indicates that it was very possible to have this number of generations during the 270 years. Hope this is helpful in your studies. Yours in Christ, Jim Estes |