Timeline of the Bible
Thousands of years. Hundreds of lives. One unfolding purpose. See how every person, place, and story connects across the centuries.
~2018 – 1657 BCE
The Patriarchs
Jehovah calls Abraham out of Ur and begins building a nation through his family line — Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
~2018 BCE
Abraham Leaves Ur
Jehovah tells Abraham to leave his country and go to a land He will show him. Abraham obeys — at age 75.
Genesis 12:1-4
~1943 BCE
Covenant with Abraham
Jehovah promises offspring as numerous as the stars and that through his seed all nations will bless themselves.
Genesis 15:5, 6; 22:17, 18
~1918 BCE
Isaac Born
The son of promise arrives. Abraham is 100, Sarah is 90. Jehovah keeps his word.
Genesis 21:1-3
~1781 BCE
Jacob's 12 Sons
Jacob fathers 12 sons who become the 12 tribes of Israel. The nation Jehovah promised is taking shape.
Genesis 29–30; 35:22-26
~1767 BCE
Joseph Sold Into Slavery
At 17, Joseph is betrayed by his brothers and sold to merchants heading to Egypt. What looks like disaster is part of Jehovah's plan.
Genesis 37:28
"My brothers sold me into slavery. I was seventeen. But Jehovah was with me — in the pit, in the prison, and in the palace…"
Read Joseph's Story →~1450 – 1117 BCE
The Judges
After Joshua, Jehovah raises up judges to deliver Israel. A cycle of faithlessness, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.
~12th Century BCE
Deborah Judges Israel
Deborah, a prophetess, leads Israel to victory against Sisera. She rallied Barak when no one else would.
Judges 4–5
~12th Century BCE
Ruth and Boaz
A Moabite widow chooses Jehovah and clings to Naomi. Her loyalty leads to Boaz — and into the lineage of David and the Messiah.
Ruth 1–4
~1117 BCE
Samuel Anoints Saul as First King
The people demand a king. Jehovah gives them Saul — tall, impressive, but ultimately unfaithful. The era of judges ends.
1 Samuel 10:1
~1117 – 997 BCE
The United Kingdom
Three kings rule a united Israel: Saul, David, and Solomon. The golden age — and the era of the Bible's most dramatic personal stories.
~1107 BCE
David Born in Bethlehem
The youngest of Jesse's eight sons. A shepherd boy who will become Israel's greatest king.
1 Samuel 16:11
~1092 BCE
David Anointed by Samuel
Seven sons rejected. The youngest called from the fields — and anointed as future king.
1 Samuel 16:13
~1090 BCE
David Kills Goliath
A teenager with a sling faces a nine-foot giant — and wins. Not by strength, but in the name of Jehovah.
1 Samuel 17:45-50
"Five smooth stones. One sling. And faith that the God who helped me kill a lion would not fail me now."
Read the Full Story →~1077 BCE
David Becomes King
After years as a fugitive, David becomes king — first in Hebron, then over all Israel. He conquers Jerusalem.
2 Samuel 5:3-7
~1037 BCE
David Dies; Solomon Becomes King
After 40 years of reign, David dies. Solomon succeeds him and will build the Temple.
1 Kings 2:10-12
~607 – 5th Century BCE
Exile & Return
Jerusalem falls to Babylon. God's people are taken captive. But Jehovah preserves them — and raises faithful individuals even in foreign courts.
~607 BCE
Jerusalem Destroyed by Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple. The desolation Jeremiah foretold begins.
2 Kings 25:8-10; Jeremiah 25:11
~5th Century BCE
Esther Becomes Queen of Persia
A young Jewish orphan becomes queen. When a plot to destroy her people emerges, she risks her life to stand before the king.
Esther 2:17; 4:16
"If I perish, I perish. But I will not stay silent when my people face destruction."
Read Esther's Story →~5th Century BCE
Haman's Plot Exposed
At a banquet, Esther reveals Haman's genocidal plot. Haman is hanged on the stake he built for Mordecai. Jehovah's people are saved.
Esther 7:1-10
More Eras Coming Soon
We're building the full timeline — from creation to the first century. Every event links to the people, places, and stories that bring it to life.