Table of Contents
Clarifying Israel’s Sojourn in Egypt
A Chronological Analysis Using the Smith Jubilee Formula ...................................................... 5
Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 5
The Patriarchal Timeline and Key Events
Birth and Death Years of the Patriarchs (Based on The Book of Jubilees & The Book of Jasher) ........... 6
Narrative of Levi and the Lineage of Moses ................................................................................... 7
Timeline of Levi to Moses ............................................................................................................... 8
Timeline of Israel's Entry into Egypt and Key Events ..................................................................... 8
Calculation of Israel’s Sojourn in Egypt ........................................................................................... 9
Abraham and the 430-Year Sojourn
Abraham’s Sojournings .................................................................................................................. 10
Index of Texts Supporting the Chronological Analysis ............................................................ 11
Texts from the Book of Jubilees ............................................................................................... 12
Texts from the Book of Jasher .................................................................................................. 12
Texts from the Testament of Levi ............................................................................................ 13
The Time in Shechem ............................................................................................................... 14
Abraham’s Journey and Covenant ............................................................................................... 16
Isaac’s Sojournings
Key Locations and Covenant Continuation .................................................................................... 17
Jacob’s Sojournings
Key Locations and Fulfillment of the Covenant ............................................................................. 17
Unified Narrative and Covenant Fulfillment
Integration of Texts from Jubilees, Jasher, and the Bible ............................................................. 21
Copyright and Legal Information
Copyright Notice .......................................................................................................................... 22
Trademarks ................................................................................................................................. 22
Legal Disclaimer ......................................................................................................................... 23
Enforcement ...............................................................................................................................
Clarifying Israel’s Sojourn in Egypt
A Chronological Analysis Using the Smith Jubilee Formula
Introduction:
The biblical narrative of Israel’s journey into Egypt and subsequent Exodus has long been a subject of theological and historical exploration. By utilizing the Smith Jubilee Formula (SJF) and insights from the Book of Jasher and the Testament of Levi, we can construct a more precise chronology of these pivotal events. This approach not only illuminates the timeline of Israel’s stay in Egypt but also offers a deeper understanding of the broader 430-year sojourn of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, encompassing their time in Haran, Canaan, and Egypt.
Through this lens, we trace the famine’s onset at 2215 AM, Jacob’s migration to Egypt at 2216 AM, Joseph’s death at 2287 AM, and the birth of Moses 90 years later at 2377 AM. The data from these sources suggests that Israel’s sojourn in Egypt was approximately 243 years rather than the traditionally interpreted 430 years, a duration that includes their time in Canaan before descending to Egypt. This distinction is critical for reconciling biblical accounts and aligning them with historical frameworks.
Birth and Death Years of the Patriarchs
According to The Book of Jubilees & The Book of Jasher
Reuben:
Birth: 2165 AM
Death: 2290 AM
Lifespan: 125 years.
Simeon:
Birth: 2167 AM
Death: 2287 AM
Lifespan: 120 years.
Levi:
Birth: 2172 AM
Death: 2309 AM
Lifespan: 137 years.
Judah:
Birth: Not specifically listed in the search but calculated relative to Levi and Simeon.
Issachar:
Birth: 2175 AM
Death: 2297 AM
Lifespan: 122 years.
Asher:
Birth: 2176 AM
Death: 2299 AM
Lifespan: 123 years.
Zebulun:
Birth: 2177 AM
Death: 2291 AM
Lifespan: 114 years.
Gad:
Birth: 2174 AM
Death: 2299 AM
Lifespan: 125 years.
Narrative of Levi and the lineage of Moses
Levi: Born 2172 AM; lived to 2309 AM (137 years).
Kohath (son of Levi): Born when Levi was 35 (2207 AM).
Amram (son of Kohath): Likely born in the early-mid 23rd century AM based on generational overlaps.
Jochebed: Born 2234 AM.
Moses: Born 2377 AM, at a time of great tribulation.
Based on the Testament of Levi and associated texts:
Birth Year of Levi: Levi was born at 2170 AM, as recorded in the genealogical narratives.
Birth of Kohath: Kohath, Levi's second son, was born in the 35th year of Levi's life, which corresponds to 2205 AM. This aligns with the timeline in the Testament of Levi.
Birth of Amram and Jochebed:
Amram and Jochebed were explicitly stated to have been born on the same day, which simplifies their calculation. Levi states that Jochebed was born in his 64th year, corresponding to 2234 AM. Since they share the same birth year and day, this also places Amram's birth at 2234 AM.
Birth of Moses: Moses was born at 2377 AM, as recorded in the Jubilee chronology.
Timeline of Levi to Moses
From Levi's Birth to Moses: 2170 AM (Levi's birth) to 2377 AM (Moses' birth) equals 207 years.
Generational Gaps:
Levi to Kohath: 35 years.
Kohath to Amram: Approximately 29 years (from Levi’s 64th year when Amram was born).
Amram to Moses: 143 years.
Timeline of Israel's Entry into Egypt and Key Events
The Famine and Migration to Egypt:
The famine began at 2215 AM, during the 45th Jubilee.
Jacob (Israel) and his family entered Egypt at 2216 AM, the second year of the third week of the 45th Jubilee.
Joseph’s Role and Lifespan:
Joseph was sold into slavery at 17 years old (2194 AM), became the governor of Egypt at 30 (2207 AM), and managed the famine from 2215 AM.
Joseph died at 110 years old at 2287 AM, in the second year of the 46th Jubilee.
Jacob’s Death:
Jacob lived in Egypt for 17 years and died at 2232 AM, 147 years old.
Birth of Moses:
Moses was born in 2377 AM, 90 years after Joseph’s death.
Calculation of Israel’s Sojourn in Egypt
From Entry to Jacob's Death: 2216 AM (entry) to 2232 AM (Jacob's death) = 17 years.
Total Time from Entry to Exodus:
Israel's entry to Joseph's death: 2216 AM to 2287 AM = 71 years.
Joseph's death to Moses' birth: 2287 AM to 2377 AM = 90 years.
Total = 161 years (entry to Moses' birth).
Additional years to Exodus: 2377 AM to 2459 AM = 82 years.
Total: 243 years in Egypt, contrasting with the traditional 430-year sojourn, which includes time in Canaan before entry into Egypt.
This aligns with the timeline for Joseph's administration, Jacob's death, and the broader narrative involving Moses' birth and leadership. Let me know if further details are needed!
Abraham and the 430-Year Sojourn:
A pivotal moment in this chronology is the near-sacrifice of Isaac. Isaac was born in 2014 AM and, according to Genesis 22, was likely 15 years old at the time of this test in 2029 AM. This event, marked by God’s covenantal reaffirmation to Abraham, can be theorized as the starting point of the 430 years referenced in Exodus 12:40.
This duration encompasses the journeys and experiences of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in Haran and Canaan before concluding with the Exodus from Egypt.
The words of Jacob to Pharaoh in Genesis 47:9 validate this interpretation. Jacob states, "The days of the years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty years," reflecting the transient nature of the patriarchs’ lives during this period. This alignment underscores that the 430 years referenced in Scripture include both the patriarchal sojourn in foreign lands and Israel’s eventual settlement in Egypt.
By applying the SJF and drawing upon the precise genealogical details in the Book of Jasher and the Testament of Levi, we can clarify Israel’s chronology with greater accuracy. These sources reveal that the sojourn of Israel in Egypt, while significant, was part of a broader 430-year journey through Haran, Canaan, and Egypt. This perspective not only enhances our understanding of biblical history but also affirms the meticulous structure of divine timelines in Scripture, aligning historical and theological insights into a cohesive narrative.
Index of Texts Supporting the Chronological Analysis
Genesis 12:6-7
"And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem..."
This marks the beginning of the patriarchal presence in Shechem, where God first promised the land to Abraham’s descendants.
Genesis 33:18-20
Jacob settles in Shechem, purchases land, and builds an altar called "El-Elohe-Israel."
Reflects Israel’s significant time in Shechem as a dwelling and worship site.
Genesis 34:25-31
Levi and Simeon’s vengeance on Shechem after the defilement of Dinah.
This event establishes Levi’s leadership and begins his journey toward becoming Israel’s first high priest.
Genesis 49:5-7
Jacob’s blessing (and reprimand) of Simeon and Levi regarding their actions at Shechem.
Emphasizes Levi’s destiny as a key figure in Israel’s priesthood.
Exodus 12:40-41
"Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years."
Establishes the duration of the entire sojourn, including time in Shechem, Haran, Canaan, and Egypt.
Texts from the Book of Jubilees
Jubilees 29:1-10
Describes Jacob’s arrival in Shechem and the events surrounding Dinah’s defilement.
Levi’s role in avenging this act marks his emergence as a spiritual leader.
Jubilees 30:17-23
Chronicles God’s instructions regarding Levi’s actions at Shechem, solidifying his appointment as Israel’s first high priest.
Jubilees 44:1-3
Places the famine’s onset in 2215 AM and Israel’s subsequent migration to Egypt in 2216 AM, following the patriarchal era in Shechem and Canaan.
Texts from the Book of Jasher
Jasher 34:1-11
Details Jacob’s settlement in Shechem and the building of the altar.
Establishes Shechem as a pivotal location for the patriarchs before their descent into Egypt.
Jasher 34:12-29
Levi’s decisive role in the events at Shechem, demonstrates his leadership and foreshadows his priestly lineage.
Jasher 42:18-24
Recounts Joseph’s sale into slavery, occurring after the family’s sojourn in Shechem.
Jasher 54:1-7
Narrates Jacob’s entry into Egypt, confirming it occurred in 2216 AM after significant time in Shechem.
Jasher 81:1-5
Chronicles Joseph’s death at 110 years old (2287 AM), pivotal for understanding Israel’s timeline in Egypt.
Jasher 88:1-5
Mentions the birth of Moses 90 years after Joseph’s death (2377 AM), marking the next significant event in Israel’s history.
Texts from the Testament of Levi
Chapter 2: Levi’s Early Life
Levi recounts his role in avenging Dinah’s defilement in Shechem, marking his emergence as a leader and warrior.
Chapter 3: Levi’s Vision of Priesthood
Levi receives a divine vision appointing him as Israel’s first high priest, connecting the events in Shechem to his future role.
Chapter 5: Levi’s Prophetic Mission
Levi’s actions at Shechem and his priestly calling are linked, highlighting Shechem as the site where Levi’s destiny was solidified.
Chapter 11: Birth of Kohath and Jochebed
Levi’s genealogy and his children, including Kohath and Jochebed, connect his lineage to the priesthood and Moses.
The Time in Shechem
Israel’s time in Shechem is essential for understanding Levi’s rise as the first high priest. This period, marked by Jacob’s settlement and Levi’s leadership in defending Israel’s honor, served as a foundational stage in establishing Israel’s priestly order. Levi’s decisive actions at Shechem not only reinforced his spiritual leadership but also connected the patriarchal covenant with the eventual priesthood of Israel.
Time in Shechem: Based on the Bible, the Book of Jubilees, the Book of Jasher, and the Testament of Levi, Jacob and his family spent significant years in Shechem after his return from Haran (2107 AM) and before descending to Egypt (2216 AM). This roughly spans 109 years, a crucial period for shaping Israel’s spiritual identity.
By applying the Smith Jubilee Formula (SJF) alongside precise genealogical details from the Book of Jubilees, Book of Jasher, and Testament of Levi, we can clarify Israel’s chronology with greater precision. The inclusion of Israel’s time in Shechem underscores Levi’s transformative role as the first high priest, bridging the patriarchal covenant and the priestly order of Israel.
These texts confirm that the 430-year sojourn encompasses not only Egypt but also the patriarchal journeys through Haran, Canaan, and Shechem, offering a more accurate and cohesive narrative of Israel’s history.
Notably, genealogical information does not support a 430-year sojourn exclusively in Egypt. If such a duration were correct, it would imply that Levi, born in Canaan, would have seen only one generation raised in Egypt—the very generation he addressed in his testament, which he identifies as his third generation. This observation is inconsistent with the exponential multiplication of Israel’s descendants during their time in Egypt. Instead, the genealogical evidence strongly suggests that the children of Amram and Jochebed—Moses, Aaron, and Miriam—were the only generation born between the death of Joseph and the Exodus. This interpretation aligns with the rapid population growth described in the Bible but within a shorter chronological window than the traditionally held view of 430 years solely in Egypt.
These texts collectively support the conclusion that the 430 years of sojourning includes the patriarchs’ time in Haran, Shechem, Canaan, and Egypt. The biblical texts establish the covenant and overall sojourning period, while the Book of Jubilees and Book of Jasher provide precise chronological markers that align with the Smith Jubilee Formula (SJF).
This comprehensive approach ensures an accurate understanding of Israel’s history, God’s divine timeline, and the rapid expansion of the Israelite nation within a shorter, more plausible period in Egypt at 243 years.
Abraham’s Sojournings
Ur of the Chaldees (Abraham’s birthplace):
Genesis 11:31: "And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran, his son's son, and Sarai his daughter-in-law...and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees."
Jubilees 11:14-15: Describes Abraham’s early years in Ur and his departure due to idolatry.
Haran (Abraham’s first stop after leaving Ur):
Genesis 12:4-5: "Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran...and into the land of Canaan they came."
Jubilees 12:14-15: Details Abraham’s stay in Haran and his call to leave for Canaan.
Shechem (Abraham’s entry into Canaan):
Genesis 12:6-7: "Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem...unto the plain of Moreh."
Jubilees 13:1-3-: Describes Abraham building an altar in Shechem upon his arrival.
Bethel and Ai:
Genesis 12:8: "And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel."
Jubilees 13:5: Abraham builds an altar between Bethel and Ai.
Egypt (During famine):
Genesis 12:10: "And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there."
Jasher 15:1-2: Adds details about Abraham’s time in Egypt and his return.
Hebron (Mamre):
Genesis 13:18: "Then Abram removed his tent and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron."
Jubilees 14:16-20: Abraham’s covenant with God occurs in Hebron.
Gerar:
Genesis 20:1-2: Abraham dwells in Gerar and interacts with Abimelech.
Isaac’s Sojournings
Gerar:
Genesis 26:1-6: "And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar."
Jubilees 24:19: Confirms Isaac’s stay in Gerar during the famine.
Beersheba:
Genesis 26:23-25: "And he went up from thence to Beersheba...and he built an altar there."
Jubilees 24:28-33: Describes Isaac’s covenant with Abimelech in Beersheba.
Hebron:
Genesis 35:27: "And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned."
Jacob’s Sojournings
Beersheba:
Genesis 28:10: "And Jacob went out from Beersheba."
Jubilees 27:19: Mentions Jacob departing Beersheba after receiving Isaac’s blessing.
Bethel:
Genesis 28:11-19: "And he lighted upon a certain place...and called the name of that place Bethel."
Jubilees 27:22-24: Details Jacob’s dream at Bethel.
Haran (Stays with Laban):
Genesis 29:4-14: "And behold, Rachel his daughter came with the sheep."
Jubilees 29:20-22 22 explains Jacob’s work for Laban and the birth of his sons.
Shechem:
Genesis 33:18-20: "And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem...and he erected there an altar."
Jubilees 30:1-5: Details events surrounding Dinah and Shechem.
Bethel (Returns to fulfill vow):
Genesis 35:1-7: "And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel...and Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him."
Jubilees 31:3-6: Describes Jacob’s rededication at Bethel.
Hebron:
Genesis 37:14: Jacob sends Joseph from the valley of Hebron.
Jubilees 36:15-17: Confirms Jacob’s stay in Hebron before Joseph’s disappearance.
Egypt:
Genesis 46:1-7: Jacob and his family go to Egypt to live under Joseph’s care.
Jubilees 44:1-5: Details Jacob’s journey to Egypt and his settlement in Goshen.
The journeyings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob represent not just geographical movements but the unfolding of God’s covenantal plan for His chosen people. These texts—derived from the Biblical narratives, the Book of Jubilees, and the Book of Jasher—create a cohesive and detailed account of the patriarchs’ lives, showing how each stage of their sojourning aligns with divine promises and prophetic fulfillment.
Abraham: The Covenant and the Land
Abraham’s journey begins in Ur of the Chaldees, where he is called to leave his home and family. His travels through Haran, Canaan, Egypt, and Gerar are marked by altars and covenants, demonstrating his faith and God’s unfolding plan. Genesis 12 outlines God’s promise to Abraham: "Unto thy seed will I give this land," a promise reaffirmed through various encounters, such as the covenant in Hebron (Genesis 13:14-18; Jubilees 13). Abraham’s journey to Egypt during the famine, followed by his return to Canaan, foreshadows the later descent of Jacob’s family into Egypt and their eventual Exodus.
Each place Abraham sojourned had profound theological significance:
Shechem: The site of the first altar and the initial receipt of God’s promise.
Hebron (Mamre): A location of covenant renewal and the burial place of Sarah.
Mount Moriah: Where Abraham was tested with the near-sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22), marking a pivotal moment in the covenant narrative.
Isaac: Continuation of the Covenant
Isaac’s sojourning reflects the continuation of Abraham’s covenantal legacy. His movement between Gerar, Beersheba, and Hebron reveals a pattern of divine provision and reaffirmation. In Genesis 26:3-5, God restates His promises to Isaac, emphasizing the blessing of his descendants and their inheritance of the land. Isaac’s interactions with Abimelech in Gerar and his subsequent covenant of peace signify the stability and expansion of God’s blessing upon him.
Isaac’s life is relatively stationary compared to Abraham and Jacob, highlighting his role as a preserver of the covenant:
Beersheba: Isaac built an altar here, establishing it as a place of worship and divine encounters (Genesis 26:23-25).
Hebron: The final residence of Isaac, where he continued the legacy of his father Abraham (Genesis 35:27).
Jacob: Fulfillment and Multiplication
Jacob’s sojourning reflects the fulfillment of the patriarchal covenant as his family multiplies and begins to form the nation of Israel. His journey from Beersheba to Haran, where he worked for Laban and fathered his children, mirrors Abraham’s sojourning in Haran. Jacob’s dream at Bethel (Genesis 28:10-22) and his wrestling with the angel (Genesis 32:24-30) symbolize personal transformation and divine reaffirmation of the covenant.
Key locations in Jacob’s sojourning include:
Shechem: Where Jacob purchased land and built an altar, but also the site of Dinah’s defilement and Levi’s rise to prominence.
Bethel: A place of covenant renewal where Jacob fulfilled his vow to God.
Egypt: Jacob’s final sojourn, where his family settled in Goshen under Joseph’s provision.
Jacob’s statement to Pharaoh in Genesis 47:9—“The days of the years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty years”—captures the transient nature of his life and highlights the overarching theme of sojourning as part of God’s plan.
Unified Narrative and Covenant Fulfillment
The texts from the Book of Jubilees and the Book of Jasher add depth and precision to the Biblical record. They provide detailed timelines, genealogies, and contextual information that align with the covenantal promises made to the patriarchs. For example:
Jubilees contextualizes the timeline of events, emphasizing the Jubilee cycles as markers of divine intervention.
Jasher elaborates on key moments, such as Jacob’s stay in Shechem and his family’s settlement in Egypt.
Together, these texts demonstrate that the patriarchs’ sojourning was not random but divinely orchestrated to fulfill God’s promises. Their movements established the foundation for the nation of Israel and the eventual fulfillment of the covenant through the Exodus and the inheritance of the Promised Land.
This comprehensive account underscores the significance of faith, obedience, and divine timing, showing how the patriarchs’ journeys align with God’s covenantal narrative. Let me know if you'd like additional analysis or a deeper focus on specific aspects of these journeys!
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