The biblical narrative from Adam in the garden through the patriarchs, the exodus, the kings and prophets, the exile, the meridian of time, and the close of the apostolic age.
85 events · 10 eras
Creation – c. 2100 BC
Primeval History
From the Creation and Fall through the Flood, the Tower of Babel, and the dispersal of nations. The foundational chapters that set the stage for the covenant history to follow.
c. 2100 – 1800 BC
Age of the Patriarchs
The call of Abraham and the covenant of the fathers — Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. The formation of the twelve tribes and their descent into Egypt.
c. 1800 – 1200 BC
Egypt & Exodus
Four centuries of Egyptian bondage, the calling of Moses, the plagues, the crossing of the Red Sea, the giving of the Law at Sinai, the forty-year wandering, and the entrance into the promised land.
c. 1200 – 1050 BC
Judges
After Joshua, Israel had no king. Twelve judges (Othniel through Samuel) deliver Israel from surrounding nations through cycles of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and rescue.
c. 1050 – 931 BC
United Kingdom
Israel demands a king. Saul, David, and Solomon reign over a united Israel for roughly 120 years. Solomon builds the first temple in Jerusalem.
931 – 586 BC
Divided Kingdom
The kingdom splits under Rehoboam. The northern kingdom (Israel, ten tribes) falls to Assyria in 722 BC. The southern kingdom (Judah) survives until Babylon destroys Jerusalem in 586 BC. The great writing prophets — Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel — minister during this period.
586 – 400 BC
Exile & Return
Seventy years of Babylonian captivity. Cyrus the Persian decrees the Jews may return and rebuild. Zerubbabel rebuilds the temple, Ezra restores the Law, and Nehemiah rebuilds the walls of Jerusalem. Malachi closes the Old Testament canon.
400 – 4 BC
Intertestamental Period
Four centuries between Malachi and John the Baptist. Alexander the Great, Ptolemies, Seleucids, the Maccabean revolt, the Hasmonean kingdom, and finally Roman conquest under Pompey (63 BC). Parties of Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots arise.
c. 5 BC – AD 33
Life of Christ
The coming of the Messiah. John the Baptist prepares the way; Jesus begins His ministry around AD 30, teaching, healing, and fulfilling prophecy. He is crucified, resurrected, and ascends to heaven.
AD 33 – 100
Apostolic Age
Pentecost, the spread of the gospel through the Roman Empire, Paul's missionary journeys, the writing of the New Testament epistles, the destruction of Jerusalem (AD 70), and John's apocalyptic visions on Patmos.
