Exodus 12:40 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The time that the people of Israel lived in Egypt was 430 years.

NIV: Now the length of time the Israelite people lived in Egypt was 430 years.

NASB: Now the time that the sons of Israel had lived in Egypt was 430 years.

CSB: The time that the Israelites lived in Egypt was 430 years.

NLT: The people of Israel had lived in Egypt for 430 years.

KJV: Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.

NKJV: Now the sojourn of the children of Israel who lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years.

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.

Exodus 12:33–42 depicts the moment for which this book is named. This is the literal "exodus," or "exit" of Israel from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 1:8–14). After more than four centuries, Jacob's descendants are finally free (Genesis 47:5–6). After the horrific tenth plague (Exodus 12:29–32), the Egyptians want the Israelites gone as soon as possible. The former slaves quickly gather everything they own and leave in a single group. This event is remembered each year during the Jewish holiday of Passover.

Israel is to realign their calendar to begin with the current month. They receive instructions to prepare a special meal. This includes sacrificing lambs and applying their blood to the doorway of each home. Following these instructions will cause God's wrath to "pass over" that house. Egypt's firstborn are killed and they demand Israel leave immediately. The people quickly gather their belongings and march out in a single massive group. These events are to be remembered with festivals to be celebrated for all time.

Moses was sent to lead Israel into freedom (Exodus 3:10). This meant announcing the Lord's supernatural judgments on Egypt (Exodus 3:19–21). After nine such disasters (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23), a tenth was promised (Exodus 4:21–23; 11:4–6). In this chapter, God provides instructions for Israel to both survive and commemorate this first Passover night. Egypt reels from the death of its firstborn and demands Israel leave that very night. More directions about the future are to come (Exodus 13). Then Pharaoh will once again change his mind and confront the Hebrews on the shores of the Red Sea (Exodus 14).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.