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The Rev. Martin Anstey, B.D., M.A., to whom we are obviously indebted for the
setting out of this chronology, remarks:
"Each step in the progress of the chronology is clearly explained in the above table,
and the `proof' is given in the `testimony' of the Scripture cited. These proof texts are
the historical data with which the science of chronology is built up. The result arrived at
is characterized by the accuracy and certainty of an exact science. It cannot be one year
more. It cannot be one year less."
From the same monumental work we give the following diagram and argument for the
details of the two periods of 400 and 430 years.
Periods.
The 400 yrs.
The 430 yrs.
10
From call, promise and covenant of Abraham to the
marriage of Hagar.
1
From marriage of Hagar to birth of Ishmael.
14
From birth of Ishmael to birth of Isaac.
5
From birth of Isaac to his being weaned and becoming
the seed at the casting out of Ishmael.
185
185
From the weaning of Isaac, to the going down into
-------
Egypt.
215
From the going down into Egypt to the Exodus, to
215
215
make up the 400 years of Gen. 15: 13 and the 430
years of Exod. 12: 40, 41.
-------
-------
430
400
"The method of fixing the date of the weaning of Isaac is strictly logical and
mathematically exact. We begin with the call, promise, covenant or sojourning of
Abraham, which took place immediately after the death of Terah, An.Hom.2083. There
is the direct and positive testimony of the Hebrew Text for the fact that the period from
that point to the Exodus was a period of 430 years; therefore the date of the Exodus must
be 2083 + 430, An.Hom.2513. We have again the direct and positive testimony of the
Hebrew Text for the fact that the SEED of Abraham should be strangers and sojourners
for the period of 400 years. That period ended with the Exodus, An.Hom.2513.
Therefore it began 2513 400 = 2113, and since Isaac was born An.Hom.2108, he was
then 5 years old. But Isaac became the sole HEIR (with whom we may connect the word
SEED) of Abraham on the day that he was weaned. On that day Abraham made him a
great feast to celebrate the event. Ishmael was Abraham's heir no longer. Isaac had
taken his place. He mocked, and was cast out."