What is the chronological order of events in the Bible?

I. Creation and the Beginning of Humanity

According to the genealogical calculations that trace back to Adam, Scripture places the creation of the heavens and the earth around the mid-4th millennium BC (cf. Genesis 5; 11). “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). God’s creative work unfolds over six days (Genesis 1:3–31) with the seventh day being set apart as holy (Genesis 2:2–3).

Adam and Eve, formed on the sixth day (Genesis 1:26–31), dwell in the Garden of Eden until they disobey God by eating from the forbidden tree. This act, known as the Fall (Genesis 3), introduces sin and death into the world (Romans 5:12). Scripture then details the lineage of Adam and Eve, culminating in multiple generations that fill the earth over several centuries.

II. Early Civilization and the Global Flood

After the Fall, humans multiply across the earth but become increasingly corrupt (Genesis 6:1–5). God calls Noah, a righteous man, to build an ark as judgment approaches (Genesis 6:13–22). When the floodwaters engulf the earth, Noah and his family survive, preserved by God’s command and care (Genesis 7–8). Archeological references to flood narratives in various ancient cultures (e.g., the Epic of Gilgamesh tablets discovered in Mesopotamia) have drawn scholarly attention as parallels to the biblical account.

After the Flood subsides, Noah’s family repopulates the earth (Genesis 9). The genealogies of Noah’s sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—mark a division of nations that carry forward to the Tower of Babel.

III. The Tower of Babel

Humanity then attempts to unite under one language and build a monumental tower, likely in Mesopotamia (Genesis 11:1–4). God confuses their language, causing them to scatter (Genesis 11:5–9). This event marks the origin of diverse languages and further dispersal across the globe.

IV. The Patriarchal Era

1. Abraham (Abram)

Abraham, a descendant of Shem, is called out of Ur of the Chaldeans (Genesis 12:1) and led into Canaan. Archeological finds such as the ruins of Ur (in modern Iraq) demonstrate advanced civilization in that region, consistent with Genesis’ depiction of Abraham’s origins. God’s covenant with Abraham includes the promise of innumerable descendants and the land of Canaan (Genesis 15:5–7).

2. Isaac

The long-awaited son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, is born (Genesis 21:1–3). Abraham’s demonstration of faith, particularly with the near-sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:9–14), foreshadows substitutionary sacrifice themes prevalent throughout Scripture.

3. Jacob (Israel)

Isaac’s son Jacob inherits the covenant promise (Genesis 28:13–15). God later renames Jacob “Israel” (Genesis 32:28), and his twelve sons become the heads of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

V. The Sojourn in Egypt

Jacob’s son Joseph is sold into slavery in Egypt but rises to power (Genesis 37–41). A famine brings Jacob’s entire family to Egypt for survival (Genesis 46). The people of Israel multiply greatly over the subsequent generations (Exodus 1:7). Egyptian records, such as references to Semitic peoples living in the Nile Delta region, align with the possibility of a pastoral group dwelling in Egypt during this era.

VI. The Exodus and Wilderness Wanderings

When a new Pharaoh enslaves the Israelites, God raises up Moses (Exodus 2). After a series of plagues (Exodus 7–11), Pharaoh allows Israel to leave. The Israelites cross the Red Sea (Exodus 14), journey to Mount Sinai, receive the Law (Exodus 19–20), and enter into covenant with God.

Due to disobedience and disbelief, the people wander in the wilderness for 40 years (Numbers 14:27–34). Various desert sites in the Sinai Peninsula have been proposed for these events. Archaeological evidence includes remains of fortified sites along possible routes, though an exact route remains under study.

VII. Conquest and Settlement in Canaan

Under Joshua, the Israelites conquer parts of Canaan (Joshua 1–12). Jericho’s destruction (Joshua 6) is a key example. Excavations of Tell es-Sultan (commonly held to be ancient Jericho) have sparked debates about dating, but many archaeologists acknowledge evidence for major destruction layers around the plausible biblical timeframe.

Upon settlement, the land is allotted among the tribes (Joshua 13–22). This era marks the transition from nomadic to settled life, setting the stage for the period of the Judges.

VIII. The Period of the Judges

For several generations, Israel is governed by a series of judges (Judges 2:16). They rise in times of crisis, leading the people against foreign oppressors. This cyclical pattern includes times of faithfulness and times of rebellion (Judges 2–21). The notable figures include Deborah (Judges 4–5), Gideon (Judges 6–8), Jephthah (Judges 11–12), and Samson (Judges 13–16).

IX. The United Monarchy

1. Saul

Israel requests a king (1 Samuel 8). Saul becomes the first king (1 Samuel 10). He reigns but eventually disobeys God (1 Samuel 15).

2. David

David, chosen by God, becomes king after Saul (1 Samuel 16). He establishes Jerusalem as the capital (2 Samuel 5:6–9). Archaeological excavations of the City of David uncover structures and artifacts dating to a monarchy period, which many believe corroborate the biblical accounts.

3. Solomon

David’s son Solomon succeeds him and builds the First Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6–8). The biblical text emphasizes Solomon’s wisdom and the expansion of Israel’s influence (1 Kings 10). Some large-scale building projects uncover evidence of advanced architectural endeavors in that era (e.g., at Megiddo, Hazor, and Gezer).

X. The Divided Kingdom

After Solomon’s death, the kingdom splits into Israel (north) and Judah (south) (1 Kings 12). The northern kingdom (capital Samaria) and the southern kingdom (capital Jerusalem) often clash. Prophets like Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Hosea, and Amos call the people to repent.

XI. Exile and Return

1. Assyrian Exile (Israel)

The Assyrians conquer the northern kingdom in 722 BC (2 Kings 17:6). Many Israelites are taken into exile, and new peoples are resettled in the region—leading to the origins of the Samaritans.

2. Babylonian Exile (Judah)

In 586 BC, Babylon conquers Judah (2 Kings 25). Jerusalem and the First Temple are destroyed. The Jewish people live in Babylonian captivity for about 70 years (Jeremiah 29:10).

3. Persian Period and Return

The Persian king Cyrus allows the Jews to return and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:1–4). The Temple is reconstructed under Zerubbabel (Ezra 3; 6), and the walls of Jerusalem are later restored under Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2–6). A series of archaeological discoveries in and around ancient Jerusalem (e.g., portions of Nehemiah’s wall) offer insights into post-exilic construction.

XII. The Intertestamental Period

Approximately four centuries span from the close of the Old Testament to the beginning of the New Testament. Historical records, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and extra-biblical sources like Josephus, refer to Jewish life and expectation of a coming Messiah during this time. Empires shift from Persian to Greek (Alexander the Great) and then to Roman rule.

XIII. The Life and Ministry of Jesus

1. Birth and Early Years

Jesus is born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2; Luke 2), fulfilling Micah 5:2. Though no direct “birth record” artifact has been found, the Gospels situate the event during the reign of Caesar Augustus (Luke 2:1).

2. Public Ministry

Jesus’s ministry begins around AD 26–27. He proclaims the kingdom of God (Matthew 4:17), performs healings (Mark 2:10–12), and demonstrates miraculous power (Luke 7:22). Locations such as Capernaum, Bethsaida, and the Sea of Galilee have shown archaeological remains consistent with first-century fishing villages.

3. Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection

Jesus is crucified under Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27:2; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19) and is resurrected on the third day (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20). “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:6). This event is central to salvation (1 Corinthians 15:14).

XIV. The Early Church and Apostolic Age

After Jesus’s ascension (Acts 1:9–11), the Holy Spirit descends at Pentecost (Acts 2). The apostles spread the message from Jerusalem into Judea, Samaria, and beyond (Acts 1:8). Paul (formerly Saul) encounters Christ (Acts 9), leading to extensive missionary journeys across the Roman Empire (Acts 13–28). Epistles to various churches (Romans through Revelation’s opening chapters) instruct believers in doctrine and practice.

Manuscript evidence such as the John Rylands Papyrus (P52) and extensive codices like Sinaiticus and Vaticanus reinforce the reliable transmission of the New Testament. These historical artifacts date close to the first few centuries after Christ’s earthly ministry.

XV. The Book of Revelation and Eschatological Events

The biblical canon concludes with Revelation, penned by the apostle John, exiled on Patmos (Revelation 1:9). This prophecy describes future events including Christ’s victorious return (Revelation 19:11–16), the final judgment (Revelation 20:11–15), and the creation of a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1). The ultimate culmination of history is God dwelling with His people forever (Revelation 21:3–4).

XVI. Summary of Chronological Flow

From Creation until the patriarchs, from Egypt to Canaan, from judges to kings, from exile to return, and from the birth of Christ to the birth of the church and beyond, Scripture’s narrative is interconnected. Archeological findings (such as the Merneptah Stele mentioning “Israel,” the Dead Sea Scrolls demonstrating text continuity, and ruins from the era of the Israelite monarchy) have supported key points along this timeline.

This chronological order not only provides a record of redemptive history but also underscores the consistent progression of God’s divine plan, culminating in Jesus’s resurrection and the promise of a future kingdom in which all will be made right.

“Then I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God’” (Revelation 21:3).