Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.
40. Now the sojourning of the children of Israel. The beginning of this period is not reckoned from the coming down of Jacob, for it is very clear from other passages, that, from the time that Jacob entered into Egypt to the Exodus, not more than 230 years at most had passed. This sentence is omitted in the French.
They departed at once without delay, knowing Pharaoh's mind would not hold. From seventy souls in two centuries arose this vast multitude, a blessing from God commanding fruitfulness. The mixed rabble who followed, however, proved a snare to them and likely abandoned Israel when they learned of forty years in the wilderness.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 12:37-42
It is a night to be much observed unto the Lord,.... Or "a night of observations" (t), in which many things are to be observed to the honour and glory of God, as done by him, wherein his power, wisdom, goodness, truth and faithfulness, are displayed; partly by the destruction of the Egyptian firstborn, and particularly for bringing them, the children of Israel: out from...