The way time goes by - odd things in the Bible #5

The Israelites are in Egypt for 430 years, wander the desert for 40, and then settle into their Promised Land. We have stories of Joshua, Caleb, Gideon and 300 warriors overcoming a huge army, Samson and Delilah, and early Israelite kings - Saul and David. Then I read this about David's son:

"In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt... the second month of the fourth year of Solomon's reign, he began to build the house of the Lord." 1 Kings 6:1

What? For about the same amount of time that there is little record (430 years in Egypt), there's suddenly a spurt of recording. The Mosaic Law is given. Judges are generally outlined with 20-40 year gaps. The prophet Samuel, kings Saul and David come and go. And there went another 480 years of human history.

Similarly, some seasons are memorable for us. You may hear family stories. Someone may pass on their worldviews and family values.Other memories disappear, like the details of what happened to Israelites in Egypt. Moses gives only a cryptic review of 400 years of life in Egypt and eventual slavery:

"Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, but the Israelites were fruitful and increased rapidly; they multiplied and became exceedingly numerous, so the land was filled with them.

Then a new king who did not know Joseph came to power in Egypt... [He feared,] "If a war breaks out they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country." (Exodus 1:7-8, 10) 

So he enslaves them. We have no idea what happened to individuals; it's a long period of hard times and forgotten people.

Reflection: What years would you rather forget? What in your own past does no one know about or remember?

Give your past to God today and forgive the hard things. God wants to work out his plans for you and the whole world, whether others know about it or not.