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A Chronology of Biblical Events in The Old Testament – Viral Believer
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A Chronology of Biblical Events in The Old Testament

Welcome, dear readers, to an exciting journey through the pages of history, as we explore the chronology of biblical events that have shaped the foundation of our faith.

The Bible, our ultimate guide in all things spiritual, is also an intricate tapestry of history and stories detailing the remarkable endeavors of men and women, as they embraced God’s divine plan in their lives.

Drawing from the rich well of knowledge in the New King James Version (NKJV) Bible, we will embark on a fascinating quest to understand how God has been unfolding His ultimate plan since the inception of time.

Our journey will take us from the beginning of creation to the final consummation of God’s kingdom, as we trace the footsteps of captivating characters who have left everlasting legacies behind them.

As the Apostle Paul states in 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV), “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

By delving into the chronology of biblical events, we’ll gain invaluable insights and develop a deeper appreciation for God’s redemptive story.

So grab your Bible, put on your ‘spiritual detective’ hat, and join us as we traverse the sands of time and unveil the extraordinary era-by-era sequence of events, all divinely woven together to bring glory to the Most High.

Are you ready? Let’s begin our journey!

I. Unraveling the Historical Tapestry: A Journey through Biblical Times

The foundation of Christianity is firmly anchored in the historical events recorded in the Holy Bible. It not only takes us through the divine story of the creation but vividly paints the ancestral line of God’s beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

To truly understand the significance of our faith, it’s essential to explore the tapestry of biblical history, starting with its roots in the Old Testament.

Let’s begin with the Abrahamic covenant, which marked the emergence of God’s chosen nation, Israel. In Genesis 12:1-3, the Lord called Abram (later, Abraham) to leave his homeland, promising to bless him and make him the father of a great nation.

This special relationship between Abraham and God would later extend to his descendants – Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve tribes of Israel. Moreover, it was through this blessed lineage that Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17), the ultimate blessing to all nations, would be born.

In God’s grand design, He chose a specific people to reveal Himself and His purpose to the world.

Therefore, key historical events like the Exodus (Exodus 12:37-42), the Israelite kingdom under renowned kings like David (2 Samuel 5:1-5) and Solomon (1 Kings 2:1-4, 1 Kings 3:1-15), and the eventual exile and restoration (Ezra and Nehemiah) showcased His power, love, and redemption.

These events are not only foundational to Jewish history but also crucial in understanding the context in which Jesus would arrive to fulfill the prophecy of the Messiah (Isaiah 9:6-7).

  • Abrahamic Covenant: Genesis 12:1-3
  • Genealogy of Jesus: Matthew 1:1-17
  • Exodus: Exodus 12:37-42
  • David’s reign: 2 Samuel 5:1-5
  • Solomon’s wisdom: 1 Kings 2:1-4, 1 Kings 3:1-15
  • Exile and Restoration: Ezra and Nehemiah
  • Messianic Prophecy: Isaiah 9:6-7

This astonishing timeline of biblical history exemplifies the seamless connection between the Old and New Testaments.

As believers, it’s of utmost importance to delve into our foundations in order to appreciate the profundity of our relationship with Jesus Christ. By understanding the story from its historical roots, we gain a deeper appreciation for our faith, and the perfect plan God has for each of our lives.

II. Creation to the Great Flood: Genesis of God’s Covenant with Humanity

The story of creation found in Genesis 1-2 sets the stage for God’s loving plan for humanity. In these opening chapters, we discover a God who delights in His creation, particularly in humankind.

Humanity, having been created in His image (Genesis 1:27), enjoys a unique place in the world, with the mandate to care for and have dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:28-30).

Throughout this period, God’s love and commitment to humanity is evident, and it is here that the foundation of His covenantal relationship with us is laid.

As we step into Genesis 3, we encounter a crisis: sin enters the world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve. This event not only fractures humanity’s relationship with God but also has far-reaching consequences, as sin and corruption spread throughout the world.

Despite this tragic turn of events, hope is not lost. In God’s response to the first sinners, we see His commitment to restoration: He promises that one day, the offspring of the woman will crush the head of the serpent, a prophecy foreshadowing Jesus Christ (Genesis 3:15).

This moment marks the beginning of God’s long-term plan to redeem humanity through a covenant relationship with His people.

Following this crisis, the book of Genesis recounts the stories of the patriarchs – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Throughout these accounts, we see God making and keeping His covenant promises, displaying His faithfulness despite human failings.

Meanwhile, it is clear that the effects of sin and corruption continue to spread, ultimately resulting in the tragic disaster of the Great Flood (Genesis 6-9).

God, however, uses the catastrophe to reestablish His covenant with humanity through Noah and his family, reaffirming His promise to one day eradicate sin and its effects for good.

  • God’s purposeful creation and His love for humanity set the foundation for His covenant with us (Genesis 1-2).
  • Despite the entrance of sin and its consequences, God promises redemption and restoration through a covenant relationship (Genesis 3:15).
  • The stories of the patriarchs and the Great Flood emphasize both human sinfulness and God’s unwavering faithfulness in keeping His covenant promises (Genesis 6-9).

In this overarching narrative of creation to the Great Flood, we witness the genesis of God’s covenant with humanity, a story of love, grace, and redemption that will continue to unfold throughout Scripture.

III. The Patriarchs and the Exodus: Trials, Tribulations, and Divine Guidance

Throughout biblical history, we see numerous instances where the Lord led the patriarchs and tested their faith amidst trials and tribulations. One such example is the story of Abraham when God asked him to leave his homeland and travel to an unknown destination.

This crucial turning point is mentioned in Genesis 12:1, where God instructs Abraham to “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.”

By trusting God completely and submitting to His will, Abraham embarked on the journey with absolute faith—a shining testament to his unwavering devotion.

An additional account of the Lord’s divine guidance comes through the life of Moses and the great Exodus of the Israelites. Here, we see a series of trials as they took their arduous journey through the wilderness to the Promised Land.

Moses faced numerous challenges, such as the ten plagues in Egypt (Exodus 7-12) and the grumbling of his people over food (Exodus 16:3). However, with constant dependence on God, Moses led the Israelites through these hardships to cultivate an unshakable faith in the Almighty.

Similarly, during the Exodus, the Israelites faced several trials:

  • Pharaoh’s pursuit: God hardened Pharaoh’s heart to not let the Israelites go, and it made the latter pursue them (Exodus 14:5-9).
  • Parting of the Red Sea: With God’s guidance, Moses stretched out his hand over the sea so the Israelites could cross safely (Exodus 14:21-22).
  • Food and water shortages: Faced with hunger and thirst, the Lord miraculously supplied manna from heaven and water from the rock (Exodus 16:4-5; 17:6).
  • Worshipping the golden calf: Their lack of faith led them to worship an idol, but Moses pleaded on their behalf for God’s mercy (Exodus 32:1-14).

Throughout these events, God’s divine guidance and presence were unmistakably displayed. It serves as a distinct reminder that, despite the grappling adversities we face in life, our reliance on the Lord will guide us through the trials and tribulations, strengthening our faith every step of the way.

IV. From the Promised Land to the Divided Kingdom: Establishing the Chosen People

During the time of the Judges, the Israelites were losing their faith in God and turning to worship of local gods. This was a time of moral decline and weakened spiritual allegiance towards the One True God.

However, God’s covenant with Abraham and his descendants remained, and when the tribes of Israel called out for help, He answered their prayers and sent them a divinely appointed king to lead.

God chose David, a young shepherd with an unwavering heart for God, to be anointed as their new king. Under David’s rule, the tribes of Israel were united to form a powerful kingdom.

David had multiple victories against his enemies, such as defeating the Philistine champion Goliath (1 Samuel 17:49) and capturing Jerusalem, which would serve as a unified capital for the tribes (2 Samuel 5:7).

David then sought to build a permanent place for God’s presence among the people by bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:12-19). God then made the Davidic Covenant with David, promising to establish his kingdom and his descendants upon his throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

David’s son, Solomon, ascended to the throne after his father’s death. With the kingdom united, Solomon brought about an era of peace, prosperity, and wisdom. He fulfilled his father’s desire to build the Temple in Jerusalem, making it a magnificent place of worship for the Israelites (1 Kings 6:1-38).

The Temple was not only a physical representation of God’s presence, but it also served as a gathering place for worship and sacrifice. Solomon’s renowned wisdom was well known in the surrounding nations (1 Kings 4:29-34), and he also expanded Israel’s trade and military (1 Kings 9:26-29).

However, in his later years, Solomon disobeyed God as he turned to worship other gods due to the influence of his many wives (1 Kings 11:1-8).

This downfall of Solomon led to the divided kingdom that would form after his death. The once-thriving united kingdom of Israel now split into two separate kingdoms–the kingdom of Judah in the south and the kingdom of Israel in the north.

Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, took over the southern kingdom, while Jeroboam, initially an advisor to Solomon, ruled over the northern kingdom (1 Kings 11:29-40, 12:1-24).

From this point forward, the Bible records the history of these divided kingdoms, their kings, and their ongoing disobedience to God as they struggle to remain loyal to the Lord and His statutes. Despite their struggles, God continually sent prophets to warn the people and call them back to righteousness.

V. The Prophets and the Exile: Returning to God’s Path Through Trials

The story of the Prophets and the Exile is a powerful testimony of how God used trials and tribulations to bring His people back to the right path. In times of unfaithfulness and disobedience, God sent prophets to warn the Israelites of the consequences of their actions.

One such prophet, Isaiah, foresaw the Israelites’ destruction and exile in Babylon. He proclaimed,

“Therefore the Lord will cut off head and tail… the elder and honorable, he is the head; the prophet who teaches lies, he is the tail. For the leaders of this people cause them to err, and those who are led by them are destroyed” (Isaiah 9:14-16 NKJV).

The message was clear: if the Israelites continued in their sinful ways, they would face exile and destruction.

During the period of exile, the Israelites experienced immense suffering and hardship. But through these trials, they began to understand the consequences of their disobedience and turn back to God.

The prophet Jeremiah, who witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile, had a message of hope for the Israelites. He wrote,

“‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,’ says the Lord, ‘thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope'” (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV).

This prophecy reassured the Israelites that God would restore them after the period of exile and discipline.

The Book of Daniel beautifully illustrates how God used trials to refine and strengthen the character of His servants:

  • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego – When faced with the threat of death, they chose to remain faithful to God rather than bow down to the golden image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3).
  • Daniel – Daniel maintained a steadfast prayer life, even when a decree was issued to condemn anyone who prayed to any god or man, apart from King Darius, to be thrown into the den of lions (Daniel 6).

The Lord protected and delivered these faithful followers, showcasing God’s power and greatness to the Babylonian kings.

In conclusion, the story of the Prophets and the Exile reminds us that God’s intentions are always for our ultimate good, even when we face trials. When we wholeheartedly return to God’s path of righteousness, He promises to restore and bless us abundantly.

As it is written in Lamentations 3:22-23, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness” (NKJV).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the chronology of biblical events offers a fascinating journey through the history and the many transformative episodes that shaped the narratives of the Old and New Testaments.

As we’ve explored in this article, the dates and the order in which these events unfolded provide us with valuable context for understanding the spiritual, social, and political climates that prevailed at different times.

While there may be a few debates and discrepancies among scholars about the precise dates of certain events, the patterns and the overarching themes of the Bible remain consistent.

As you delve into the scriptural accounts, this chronology can serve as a roadmap to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the faith and its history.

So the next time you open the pages of the Bible, consider the context and chronology of the events therein. Reflect on the lessons learned from these stories, and let the rich history of this sacred text enliven and inspire your spiritual journey.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.