XII. THE FACTS CONCERNING THE NUMBER OF ISRAELITES WHO WENT INTO EGYPT
Unfortunately some have seen a discrepancy between Genesis 46:26 and 27.
"26 All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt, that came out of his loins, besides Jacob's sons' wives, all the souls were threescore and six; 27 and the sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, that came into Egypt, were threescore and ten."
The scholars sensing a contradiction in these two verses have declared that they come from two different sources entirely. No one who will pay attention to the facts as they are presented in the context will make any such claim as this. Verse 26 states that "All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt, that came out of his loins, besides Jacob's sons' wives, all the souls were threescore and six." The language is very specific. Moses here tells us that those who went into Egypt and who proceeded out of the loins of Jacob in addition to the wives of his sons were 66. In verse 27 we have a different statement. Here we are informed that the sons of Joseph who were born to him in Egypt were two, namely, Ephraim and Manasseh. Following this sentence is the declaration that "all the souls of the house of Jacob, that came into Egypt, were threescore and ten." Joseph preceded Jacob to Egypt. His two sons were born there. There are three more mentioned in this verse than in the preceding. Furthermore, Jacob is included in the count of the 70, whereas he is excluded from the count of the 66. Hence verse 27 embraces four not mentioned in verse 26. There is perfect harmony between the two statements. It is only necessary for us with open minds to look at the statements of Scripture in order to see the truth as it is set forth.
The Septuagint translation of Genesis 46:20 adds the two sons of Manasseh and the three sons of Ephraim. Their names are: Machir and Gilead his son; and the sons of Ephraim are Shutelah, Talath; and Edem was the son of Shutelah. Hence there are five more mentioned in this Greek translation. Doubtless this is the basis of the statement of Stephen concerning the 75 souls mentioned in Acts 7:14.
CONCLUSION
In this chapter we have seen a few of the marvels which are set forth in this wonderful Book of Beginnings. This brief survey produces upon the heart of the earnest student that we have an original document written by men who were borne along by the power of the Spirit of God, and who have given us an authentic account of the beginnings of everything. This book is not a scientific treatise. Whenever, however, it deals with any subject amenable to scientific investigation, it sets forth the facts in universal language that all peoples desirous of truth can understand. It has presented the most satisfactory account of the existence of all things and has traced all evils to their original source. Furthermore, it has given us a hope of eternal bliss with God forever through the promised Redeemer. It also has traced human history for 2369 years.
End Of Chapter II.
