What does Exodus 12:40 mean?
Jacob is the patriarch (Genesis 12:1–3; 21:3; 25:26) given a new name by God (Genesis 32:28): Israel. His family settled in Egypt during a terrible famine (Genesis 47:4–7, 10–11). Eventually, this warm reception was forgotten (Exodus 1:8). Israel was put under brutal slavery and oppression (Exodus 1:11–14). This fulfilled a prophecy given to Abraham—then called Abram (Genesis 17:5)—that his descendants would be captive in Egypt (Genesis 15:13–14). As predicted, they are now leaving that captivity with great wealth (Exodus 3:21–22; 11:1–3; 12:33–36).According to this comment, Israel's total time in Egypt was 430 years. This fits other general statements, often rounded to 400 (Genesis 15:13; Acts 7:6). Some dispute this number since the genealogy of Exodus 6 does not equal 430 years. Most likely, Levi's genealogy is selective. The focus in on the tribe of Levi, the clan of the Kohathites, the family of Amram and Moses and Aaron as the focus of the family line leading the Jews from slavery in Egypt. Joshua's family line (1 Chronicles 7:22–27) appears more comprehensive and better reflects the time frame of 430 years in Egypt.