Bible Timeline
SOURCE-BASED BIBLE CHRONOLOGY

Not one definitive chart, but a timeline for comparing sources

See how public-domain primary sources by Ussher, Isaac Newton, and Osborn date each event. Editorial conversions and estimates remain distinct from original statements.

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01

Primeval history

Early Genesis events from creation through Babel

4004 BC

Creation

God creates the heavens and the earth.

James Ussher's Annals — 1650 Latin first edition · 4004 BC
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Fall of humanity

Adam and Eve disobey and leave Eden.

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Noah's flood

The flood, the ark, and the covenant with Noah.

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Tower of Babel

Languages are divided and peoples are scattered.

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02

Patriarchs

From Abraham through Joseph and Jacob's household entering Egypt

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Birth of Abraham

Abram, son of Terah, is born.

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Call of Abraham

God calls Abram and gives him a promise.

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Birth of Isaac

Isaac is born to Abraham and Sarah.

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Birth of Jacob

Esau and Jacob are born to Isaac and Rebekah.

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Birth of Joseph

Rachel gives birth to Joseph.

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Joseph taken to Egypt

Joseph is sold by his brothers and taken to Egypt.

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Jacob's household enters Egypt

Jacob's household goes down to Egypt where Joseph lives.

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03

Exodus and conquest

Moses' birth, the Exodus, Sinai covenant, and entry into Canaan

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Birth of Moses

Moses is born and raised by Pharaoh's daughter.

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Exodus from Egypt

Israel leaves Egypt and crosses the sea.

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Covenant at Sinai

Israel receives God's covenant and law at Sinai.

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Entry into Canaan

Joshua leads Israel across the Jordan to Jericho.

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04

Judges and united monarchy

From the judges through the kingdoms of Saul, David, and Solomon

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Beginning of the judges period

Judges are raised after the generation of Joshua.

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1094 BC

Saul becomes king

Saul is anointed and established as king of Israel.

Henry S. Osborn's Biblical Tables — 1871 edition · 1094 BC
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David becomes king

David is established as king over Judah and all Israel.

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Solomon becomes king

Solomon succeeds David as king.

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First Temple built and dedicated

Solomon builds and dedicates the temple in Jerusalem.

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05

Divided kingdom

From the division of the kingdom to the fall of Samaria

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Kingdom divided

After Solomon, the kingdom divides into Israel and Judah.

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Shishak invades Judah

Shishak king of Egypt invades Jerusalem.

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Fall of Samaria

Assyria captures Samaria and exiles northern Israel.

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06

Fall of Judah and exile

The fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile

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Fall of Jerusalem

Babylon captures Jerusalem and takes Judah into exile.

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07

Return and restoration

From Cyrus' decree through completion of the Second Temple

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Decree of Cyrus

Cyrus authorizes return and rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple.

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First return to Jerusalem

Zerubbabel and the returning community go back to Jerusalem.

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Second Temple completed

The rebuilt temple in Jerusalem is completed and dedicated.

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08

Transitions of ancient kingdoms

Transitions among ancient empires connected to the biblical setting

332 BC

Alexander conquers Persia

Alexander the Great conquers the Persian Empire.

Isaac Newton's Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms — 1728 first edition · 332 BC
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09

New Testament era

The birth, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ

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Birth of Jesus

Jesus Christ is born in Bethlehem.

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Crucifixion and resurrection

Jesus Christ is crucified and rises from the dead.

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