Abstract
The total years of the antediluvian and two postulated postdiluvian periods are predetermined sums achievable through equations formed on certain basic exercises in Babylonian mathematics. The variations between MT, SP and LXX suggest that the original construct was reconceived upon further reflection in an ongoing process, but the similarity of the resulting equations in all three schemes indicate they were brought to fruition by persons of one and the same mind. The simplest plan is seen in SP’s total for the antediluvian epoch. The scheme embedded in MT for this period exhibits subtle refinements and greater algebraic complexity with the inclusion of 256, a notable Pythagorean square which emerges again in totals which accrue at Jacob’s death in both SP and LXX. The figures, which come from the most essential parts of foundational sexagesimal problems, mostly algebraic in nature, were chosen and combined on the basis of their harmonious numerical relations known from mathematics. Nevertheless, the biblical schemes do not constitute valid sexagesimal exercises but only bring together harmonious numbers, deriving them from disparate problems familiar to the author(s).
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