Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 6/6/2010

Question
Dear Pastor Carpenter:
I hear people say that the Israelites were in bondage in Egypt for 400 years. Is there any biblical proof showing how long the Israelites were actually in bondage?
Thanks in Advance,
Mickey

Answer
Hi Mickey

Thanks for this great question.  The clearest reference is a prophecy given to Abraham that this would happen.

Genesis 15:13-14
13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; 14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

This is also explained by Moses when talking about the Passover.

Exodus 12:40-41
40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. 41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

The 430 is a specific reference and the 400 in Gen 15 was a general reference.

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don