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The lifespans of the patriarchs: Schematic orderings in the Chrono-genealogy
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

The lifespans of the patriarchs: Schematic orderings in the Chrono-genealogy

J. Northcote
Vetus Testamentum, Vol.57(2), pp.243-257
2007
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Abstract

A remarkable numerical schema is revealed when the lifespan notices for the generations from Adam to Moses in the Masoretic version of the Pentateuch are added together-12,600 years. It is suggested that this schema has eschatological connotations that relates to the 1,260 days mentioned in Daniel and Revelation. The possibility that the lifespan notices developed from an earlier, progenitor chronology that originally tallied 12,000 years is also discussed, and the relationship between this schema, the surrounding patriarchal narratives and other Near East chronological traditions is examined in terms of the textual development of the Old Testament lifespan tradition.

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