Notes regarding Jubilees are found after the table.
| Event/Person | Date (BC) | Date (AM) | MT Dates (BC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creation | 3856 | 1 | 4114 |
| Fall of Man | 3849 | 8 | |
| Birth of Jarod | 3396 | 461 | |
| Enoch | 3345-2981/2980 | 512-876/877 | |
| Noah | 3150-2200 | 707-1657 | |
| Shem | 2650-2050 | 1207-1807 | |
| Flood | 2549-2548 | 1308-1309 | 2458-2457 |
| Adam (Death) | 2927 | 930 | |
| Cain (Death) | 2926 | 931 | |
| Terah | 2056-1851 | 1801-2006 | |
| Abraham | 1981-1806 | 1876-2051 | 2166-1991 (SP: 1951-1776) |
| Abram leaves Ur for Haran | 1921 | 1936 | |
| Call of Abraham | 1906 | 1951 | 2091 |
| Covenant of Pieces | 1896 | 1961 | 2081 |
| Sarah | 1971-1844 | 1886-2013 | 2156-2029 |
| Isaac | 1881* | 1976* | 2066-1886 |
| (*BJ adding error!) | (1870) | (1987) | |
| Destruction Sodom & Circumcision | 1882* | 1975* | |
| (*BJ adding error!) | (1871) | (1986) | |
| Rebecca (Death) | 1700 | 2157 | |
| Leah (Death) | 1690 | 2167 | |
| Jacob | 1821*-1674 | 2036*-2183 | 2006-1859 |
| (*BJ fudging error, Jacob’s birth!) | (1811) | (2046) | |
| Jacob’s time in Haran | 1744-1724* | 2113-2133* | |
| (*BJ fudging!) | (1742-1722) | (2115-2135) | |
| Isaac moves to Gerar | 1776-1755 | 2081-2102 | |
| Levi | 1734-1597 | 2123-2259 | |
| Entry into Egypt | 1691 | 2166 | 1876 |
| Moses | 1526-1406 | 2331-2451 | |
| Exodus | 1446 | 2411 | |
| Conquest | 1406-1400 | 2451-2457 | |
| 7th Year of Rest | 1399 | 2458 |
1. Introduction to the Book of Jubilees
The Book of Jubilees, also known as “Lesser Genesis,” retells the events of Genesis and Exodus, structuring history into “jubilees” of 49 years each. It provides a detailed timeline from Creation to the giving of the Law at Sinai.
2. Overview of Texts
Masoretic Text (MT): The authoritative Hebrew text of the Jewish Bible.
Samaritan Pentateuch (SP): A version of the Torah with some textual variations from the MT.
Septuagint (LXX): The ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures.
Seder Olam Rabbah: A 2nd-century Jewish chronological work providing a timeline of history according to Jewish tradition.
3. Comparative Analysis: Key Chronological Points
a. Creation to the Flood of Noah
- Book of Jubilees: Dates the Flood to the 1308th year of Creation.
- MT, SP, and LXX: The MT places the Flood in the 1657th year, while the LXX extends this period another 600 years and thus has 1656 years to Noah’s birth. The SP, instead, has 1656 years to Noah’s death, in agreement with the Book of Jubilees.
- Seder Olam Rabbah: Aligns with the MT, dating the Flood 1656 years after Creation.
b. Post-Flood to Abraham
- Book of Jubilees: Provides detailed lifespans and events, setting Abraham’s birth in the 1876th year of Creation.
- MT, SP, and LXX: The MT and SP place Abraham’s birth in the 1948th year, while the LXX’s chronology extends this period.
- Seder Olam Rabbah: Generally agrees with the MT, situating Abraham’s birth in the 1948th year.
c. Exodus from Egypt
- Book of Jubilees: Dates the Exodus to the 2410th year from Creation.
- MT has 2668 years from Creation to the Exodus.
- Seder Olam Rabbah: Dates the Exodus to 2448 years after Creation.
4. Jubilee Cycles in the Book of Jubilees
The Book of Jubilees emphasizes cycles of 49 years, structuring biblical events into these jubilees to provide a theological and chronological framework. Here are some notable patterns:
- Creation to Abraham: 39 jubilees.
- Abraham to the Exodus: Approximately 26 jubilees.
5. Key Observations and Differences
- Chronological Framework: The Book of Jubilees’ use of jubilee cycles offers a distinct theological perspective, emphasizing divine intervention at regular intervals.
- Textual Variations: Differences in dates between the MT, SP, and LXX highlight the fluidity of ancient chronologies and the interpretative nature of these texts.
- Theological Implications: The Book of Jubilees presents a reinterpretation of biblical history, stressing the importance of Sabbatical and Jubilee cycles in God’s covenantal relationship with humanity.
6. Conclusion
Our comparative study reveals the rich tapestry of Jewish chronological thought, as seen through the lens of various texts. The Book of Jubilees stands out for its structured use of jubilee cycles, providing a unique framework that both complements and contrasts with other ancient sources.
Detailed Analysis of the Prophecy of Seventy Weeks and Jubilee Cycles
Key Points:
- Ongoing Cycles of 49 and 490 Years:
- The Book of Jubilees understands cycles of 49 and 490 years as continuous, taking inspiration from the creation itself.
- Creation to Covenant of the Pieces:
- Timeline: From the creation in the Book of Jubilees (3856 BC) to the Covenant of the Pieces marks the 40th jubilee.
- Fourth Cycle of 490 Years: This period marks the end of the fourth cycle of 490 years, with the last week divided, aligning with the prophecy of seventy weeks.
- Significance of Divided Last Week:
- The division of the last seven years (the “week”) of the 4th Grand cycle of 490 years adds symbolic meaning to the ongoing cycles.
- Next 4th Cycle of 490 Years: Ends in AD 65-72, reflecting the significance of the divided week in prophetic fulfillment.
- Moses Pattern:
- Life of Moses: Divided into three sets of 40-year periods, with his death at the Conquest of 1406 BC.
- Restart of Jubilees: Moses’ death coincides with the Conquest, marking the official restart of the keeping of the jubilees as they entered the Promised Land.
Theological and Numerical Significance:
- 490-Year Grand Cycles:
- The 490-year cycles reflect the structured and ongoing nature of divine timing in biblical history.
- Divided Weeks: Dividing the last week into 3.5 + 3.5 years adds depth to the interpretation of prophetic timelines.
- Jubilee Cycles:
- 40th Jubilee: The period from creation to the Covenant of the Pieces marks the 40th jubilee, emphasizing the importance of these cycles.
- 40 + 40 Jubilees: Reflects the duality and continuity of jubilee cycles in biblical history.
- Moses’ Life Pattern:
- Three Sets of 40 Years: Moses’ life is a model of divine timing, with his life divided into three significant periods of 40 years each.
- Conquest and Jubilees: His death at the Conquest of 1406 BC marks a significant restart of jubilee observance in the Promised Land.
Conclusion:
The Book of Jubilees emphasizes the ongoing nature of 49- and 490-year cycles, aligning with the prophecy of seventy weeks and the division of the last week. The connection between these cycles and significant events, such as the Covenant of the Pieces and Moses’s life, highlights the structured approach to divine timing and prophetic fulfillment in biblical history.
Detailed Analysis of the Covenant of the Pieces in the Book of Jubilees
Key Points:
- Covenant of the Pieces Timing:
- Chronology: The Book of Jubilees places the Covenant of the Pieces 490 years less 3.5 years (Pentecost), that is, 486.5 years before the Conquest.
- Abraham’s Age: Abraham was 85 years old at the time of the covenant, which corresponds to 490 years before the Conquest. “85 years” agrees with the MT, Genesis 15.
- Fluidity of Chronology:
- The Book of Jubilees uses both 486.5 and 490 years to mark the period before the Conquest, demonstrating flexibility in its chronological framework.
- Dividing the Week:
- Symbolism: The division of the week of seven years aligns with the divided pieces of animals in the Covenant of the Pieces.
- Prophecy of Daniel 9: This also mirrors the prophecy in Daniel 9, which divides the last week into 3.5 + 3.5 years.
Theological and Numerical Significance:
- 486.5 and 490 Years:
- Significance: The use of both periods reflects a nuanced understanding of biblical numerology and prophetic fulfillment.
- Dual Timing: Incorporating both 486.5 and 490 years allows the writer to address different aspects of the prophetic timeline while maintaining theological consistency.
- Connection to Daniel 9:
- Divided Week: The division of the last week into two halves (3.5 + 3.5 years) in Daniel 9 is echoed in the chronology of the Book of Jubilees.
- Prophetic Fulfillment: This connection emphasizes the importance of the divided time periods in understanding prophetic events.
Conclusion:
The Book of Jubilees demonstrates a sophisticated approach to chronology, using both 486.5 and 490 years to mark the period before the Conquest while maintaining the significance of Abraham’s age at the Covenant of the Pieces. This dual approach reflects an intricate understanding of biblical numerology and aligns with the prophetic framework of Daniel 9.
Book of Jubilees: Example of Adjusted Chronology in the Bible: The 400 and 430 Years
Key Point:
- Biblical Example:
- The prophecy of 400 years in a strange land, which ended up being specifically “430 years to the day.”
Explanation and Significance:
- Prophecy in Genesis:
- Genesis 15:13: God tells Abraham that his descendants will be strangers in a land not their own and will be enslaved and oppressed for 400 years.
- Fulfillment in Exodus:
- Exodus 12:40-41: States that the time the Israelites lived in Egypt was 430 years to the day.
Implications:
- Adjustments in Timeframes:
- This example shows how biblical chronologies can include slight adjustments to fit specific theological or symbolic frameworks.
- The original prophecy of 400 years was rounded and then specified as 430 years in fulfillment.
- Consistency with the Book of Jubilees:
- The Book of Jubilees has 400 years from the death of Abraham (1806 BC) to the Conquest in 1406 BC.
- The Book of Jubilees’ approach to adjusting timelines to fit cycles of seven and 49 years is consistent with this biblical example.
- Both demonstrate flexibility in interpreting and fulfilling prophetic periods while maintaining theological integrity.
Conclusion:
The 400-year prophecy in Genesis and its fulfillment as 430 years in Exodus illustrate how biblical chronology can be both rounded and specified, aligning with the approach seen in the Book of Jubilees. This consistency reinforces the idea that slight adjustments for theological purposes were an accepted practice in ancient Jewish scholarship.
Regular MT, LXX, and SP chronologies are found at this link.