Genesis 15:13

Know of a surety. Hebrew. knowing thou shalt know. Figure of speech Polyptoton , and note on Genesis 26:28 .

thy seed , i.e. Isaac. See note on Genesis 21:12 . The 400 years date from Isaac's birth (Acts 7:6 ). The 430 from the "promise" or Covenant here made (compare Galatians 1:3 , Galatians 1:17 ), and include the whole "sojourning" (Exodus 12:40 ). and shall serve, &c. Figure of speech Epitrechon. See App-6 . This is shown by the Structure ( Introversion ). a | Thy seed shall be a stranger, &c. b | and shall serve them b | and they shall afflict them a | four hundred years. In a and a we have the whole sojourning and duration. In b and b the servitude in Egypt (215 years).