1. TIME.

From the call of Abram, 1921 B. C., to the exodus from Egypt, 1491 B. C.¹

2. SCRIPTURE.

The last thirty-eight Chapters of Genesis and the first thirteen Chapters of Exodus record the history of this period.

3. GOVERNMENT.

The government during this period was Patriarchal. During the first two periods God dealt directly with the people as individuals, but in this period we have a chosen family and the head of the family, who is known as the partriarch, becomes both priest and ruler.

4. SUBDIVISIONS.

(1) The Age of Abraham. — Gen. 12:1 - 25:10.

Abram was 75 years old when God spoke to him at Haran, telling him to go to the land he would show him. He died in the promised land when he was 175 years old, and was buried in the Cave Machpelah, at Hebron. Abraham is the father of the Hebrew nation and also of the Christian Church. The Jews are his children in the flesh and the Christians his children in the spirit.

(2) The Age of Isaac. — Gen. 25:11 - 27:46.

Isaac was the on promised to Abram before he left Chaldea, more than twenty — five years before the fulfillment of the promise. Isaac was 25 years of age when his father took him to Moriah to offer him as a sacrifice. He is a type of the promised Messiah. In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed."

(3) The Age of Jacob. — Gen. 28:1 - 36:43.

Jacob is the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. He wrestled with the Lord at Jabbok, and when his strength failed him so that he was helpless, the Lord changed his name, calling him Israel, meaning “ Prince of God." He moved to Egypt with his family in 1706 B. C. He died in Egypt and was buried in the partriarchal cave, Machpelah.

(4) The Age of Joseph. — Gen. 37:1 - 40:26.

Joseph was sold by his brethren when he was 17 years old. He was made governor of Egypt when he was 30, and when he was 39 he saved his brethren who sold him.

(5) The Oppression in Egypt. — Ex. 1:7-22; Acts 7:17-19.

Some time after the death of Joseph, the Egyptians, be coming alarmed at the prosperity and rapid increase of Israel, made every effort to check their progress and put them under severe bondage. This severe bondage made them willing to leave the land of Egypt.

5. EVENTS.

(1) The Call of Abram. — 1921 B. C. Gen. 12:1 - 5; Acts 7:2-5.

(2) The Removal to Egypt. — 1706 B. C. Gen. 46:1-7; Ex. 1:1-6; Acts 7:14, 15.

(3) The Ten Plagues. — 1492 B. C. Ex. 7:1 – 12:51.

6. CHIEF CHARACTERS.

(1) Abraham, the father of the faithful.

(2) Isaac, the son of promise.

(3) Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes.

(4) Joseph, the savior of Israel.

QUESTIONS.

• What is the third period of Old Testament History?
• What are the opening and closing events?
• What are the dates?
• What Scripture records the history?
• What was the form of government?
• How does the government differ from that of preceding periods?
• What are the subdivisions of this period?
• Why did the Egyptians oppress Israel?
• What are the important events?
• Who are the chief characters?
• For what was each distinguished?

1) This gives 430 years from the call of Abram to the exodus, from the call to the going into Egypt 215 years and from the going into Egypt to the exodus, 215 years. Thus the prediction that Abram's seed should serve in a strange land four hundred years is fulfilled. Gen. 15:13; Acts 7:6.