Genesis 46:8-27 lists the descendants of Jacob who journeyed to Egypt, including all his grandchildren. However, this presents a challenge when calculating the duration of Israel’s stay in Egypt. The lifespans of Levi, Kehath, Amram, and Moses total only 350 years, leaving a 80-year gap in the supposed 430-year sojourn mentioned in Gen 15:13, Ex 12:40 & Acts 7:6.
The Key to Resolving the Difficulty
The solution lies in understanding the origin of the nation of Israel. The promise was made to Abraham, not Jacob (Genesis 12:2). Moses subtly points out that the nation began with Abraham, including Isaac and Abraham in the count. This means the 430 years started when Abraham first lived in Egypt, not with Jacob’s descent.
Abraham: The Founding Father of Israel
The nation was named after Jacob/Israel, but it began with Abraham. This clarification resolves the apparent contradiction, and the 430-year period fits perfectly. The “affliction” began when Ishmael persecuted Isaac, 30 years after the promise, and lasted 215 years, culminating in the Exodus.
Conclusion
By recognizing Abraham as the founding father of Israel, we resolve the 430-year enigma. The nation’s history began with Abraham’s journey to Egypt, and the promise was fulfilled through his descendants. This nuanced understanding highlights the significance of Abraham’s role in the biblical narrative.
https://answersingenesis.org/bible-questions/how-long-were-the-israelites-in-egypt/
https://www.apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=6&article=796
