Bible Timeline · Period 6 of 10
The Divided Kingdoms and Prophets
The kingdoms of Israel and Judah, Elijah and Elisha, and the prophets up to Babylon's rise.
After Solomon the kingdom splits: Israel in the north and Judah in the south. Kings and Chronicles follow their rulers, and prophets such as Elijah, Elisha, Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Micah and Jeremiah speak into their times.
Events in both kingdoms are shown in one sequence. Dates follow a widely used reconstruction of the kings' reigns (based on E. R. Thiele's work); other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Events follow the order Scripture presents. Switch to “Historical setting” to see approximate dates and how they are known.
Events
The kingdom divides1 Kings 12:1–24About 931/930 BCE1 parallel account
Rehoboam refuses to lighten the people's burdens, and the ten northern tribes make Jeroboam king; Judah stays with David's line.
- Main passage 1 Kings 12:1–24
- Also told in 2 Chronicles 10:1–11:4
Places named Shechem 1 Kings 12:1
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- About 931/930 BCE Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology. Another widely cited reconstruction (W. F. Albright) gives about 922 BCE.
Proposals: About 922 BCE (Albright)
Jeroboam's golden calves1 Kings 12:25–13:34About 930 BCE
Jeroboam sets up golden calves at Bethel and Dan so his people will not worship in Jerusalem; a man of God warns him.
- Main passage 1 Kings 12:25–13:34
Places named Bethel 1 Kings 12:29 · Dan 1 Kings 12:29
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- About 930 BCE Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Shishak invades Judah1 Kings 14:25–28About 926/925 BCE1 parallel account
In Rehoboam's fifth year Shishak king of Egypt attacks Jerusalem and takes the temple treasures.
- Main passage 1 Kings 14:25–28
- Also told in 2 Chronicles 12:1–12
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- About 926/925 BCE Approximate historical setting
Rehoboam's fifth year (1 Kings 14:25). Shishak is usually identified with Pharaoh Shoshenq I, whose campaign list survives at Karnak.
Asa's reforms1 Kings 15:9–24About 911-870 BCE1 parallel account
Asa of Judah removes idols, relies on the LORD against Zerah the Ethiopian, but later relies on Aram instead.
- Main passage 1 Kings 15:9–24
- Also told in 2 Chronicles 14:1–16:14
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- About 911-870 BCE Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Omri builds Samaria; Ahab and Jezebel1 Kings 16:21–34Ahab about 874-853 BCE
Omri makes Samaria Israel's capital; his son Ahab marries Jezebel and serves Baal.
- Main passage 1 Kings 16:21–34
Places named Samaria 1 Kings 16:24
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- Ahab about 874-853 BCE Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Elijah, the drought and the widow1 Kings 17:1–24Reign of Ahab
Elijah announces a drought; ravens feed him, and he raises the son of a widow at Zarephath.
- Main passage 1 Kings 17:1–24
- Related Luke 4:25–26James 5:17–18
People Elijah
Places named The brook Cherith 1 Kings 17:3 · Zarephath 1 Kings 17:9
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- Reign of Ahab Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Stories and studies Elijah and the Ravens
Elijah on Mount Carmel1 Kings 18:1–46Reign of Ahab
Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal; the LORD answers with fire, and the drought ends.
- Main passage 1 Kings 18:1–46
Places named Mount Carmel 1 Kings 18:19
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- Reign of Ahab Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Stories and studies Elijah and the Prophets of Baal
Elijah at Horeb1 Kings 19:1–21Reign of Ahab
Fleeing Jezebel, Elijah meets the LORD at Horeb in a gentle whisper and is sent to anoint Elisha.
- Main passage 1 Kings 19:1–21
Places named Horeb 1 Kings 19:8
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- Reign of Ahab Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Naboth's vineyard1 Kings 21:1–29Reign of Ahab
Jezebel has Naboth killed so Ahab can take his vineyard; Elijah pronounces judgement, and Ahab humbles himself.
- Main passage 1 Kings 21:1–29
Places named Jezreel 1 Kings 21:1
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- Reign of Ahab Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
The death of Ahab1 Kings 22:1–40About 853 BCE1 parallel account
Micaiah warns Ahab and Jehoshaphat against attacking Ramoth Gilead; Ahab disguises himself but is killed by a random arrow.
- Main passage 1 Kings 22:1–40
- Also told in 2 Chronicles 18:1–34
People Ahab
Places named Ramoth Gilead 1 Kings 22:3
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- About 853 BCE Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Jehoshaphat's prayer and victory2 Chronicles 20:1–30Jehoshaphat about 872-848 BCE
Facing a great army, Jehoshaphat prays, "We don't know what to do, but our eyes are on you"; the singers go out first and the enemy is routed.
- Main passage 2 Chronicles 20:1–30
- Related 1 Kings 22:41–502 Chronicles 17:1–19
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- Jehoshaphat about 872-848 BCE Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Stories and studies Prayer
Elijah taken up2 Kings 2:1–18About 850 BCE
A chariot of fire separates Elijah from Elisha and Elijah is taken up in a whirlwind; Elisha receives a double portion of his spirit.
- Main passage 2 Kings 2:1–18
Places named The Jordan 2 Kings 2:7
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- About 850 BCE Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Elisha and the Shunammite woman2 Kings 4:8–37Ministry of Elisha
A woman of Shunem gives Elisha a room; God gives her a son, and when the boy dies Elisha raises him.
- Main passage 2 Kings 4:8–37
- Related 2 Kings 4:1–7
People Elisha
Places named Shunem 2 Kings 4:8
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- Ministry of Elisha Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Naaman healed2 Kings 5:1–27Ministry of Elisha
The Aramean commander Naaman washes seven times in the Jordan at Elisha's word and is healed of his skin disease.
- Main passage 2 Kings 5:1–27
- Related Luke 4:27
People Elisha
Places named The Jordan 2 Kings 5:14
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- Ministry of Elisha Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Jehu's revolt2 Kings 9:1–10:36About 841 BCE
Elisha has Jehu anointed king; Jehu kills Joram and Jezebel and destroys the worship of Baal in Israel.
- Main passage 2 Kings 9:1–10:36
Places named Jezreel 2 Kings 9:16
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- About 841 BCE Approximate historical setting
An Assyrian monument, the Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III, shows Jehu paying tribute in about 841 BCE.
Athaliah and young Joash2 Kings 11:1–21About 841-835 BCE1 parallel account
Athaliah seizes Judah's throne; the priest Jehoiada hides the boy Joash and later crowns him.
- Main passage 2 Kings 11:1–21
- Also told in 2 Chronicles 22:10–23:21
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- About 841-835 BCE Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Joash repairs the temple2 Kings 12:1–21Joash about 835-796 BCE1 parallel account
Joash collects money and repairs the temple; after Jehoiada dies he turns away and Zechariah son of Jehoiada is stoned.
- Main passage 2 Kings 12:1–21
- Also told in 2 Chronicles 24:1–27
- Related Matthew 23:35
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- Joash about 835-796 BCE Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Jonah and NinevehJonah 1:1–4:11Reign of Jeroboam II, about 793-753 BCE
Jonah runs from God's call to preach to Nineveh, is swallowed by a great fish, then preaches; Nineveh repents and God spares it.
- Main passage Jonah 1:1–4:11
- Related 2 Kings 14:25Matthew 12:39–41
People Jonah
Places named Joppa Jonah 1:3 · Nineveh Jonah 3:3
- Place in the order
- Strongly supported relative order The order is well supported by the text, though not stated outright.
- Historical setting
- Reign of Jeroboam II, about 793-753 BCE Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
2 Kings 14:25 names Jonah as a prophet in the reign of Jeroboam II; the book of Jonah itself gives no date.
Stories and studies Jonah and NinevehJonah and the Great Fish
Amos at BethelAmos 7:10–17Reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam II, about 760 BCE
Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa, calls for justice to roll on like a river; the priest of Bethel tells him to go home.
- Main passage Amos 7:10–17
- Related Amos 1:1Amos 5:21–24
People Amos
Places named Bethel Amos 7:10 · Tekoa Amos 1:1
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- Reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam II, about 760 BCE Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Stories and studies Justice
Hosea's marriage and messageHosea 1:1–3:5About 755-715 BCE
Hosea marries Gomer, who is unfaithful, and buys her back, a picture of the LORD's love for unfaithful Israel.
- Main passage Hosea 1:1–3:5
- Related Hosea 11:1–9
People Hosea
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- About 755-715 BCE Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Isaiah's vision in the templeIsaiah 6:1–13About 740 BCE
In the year King Uzziah dies Isaiah sees the LORD on his throne, is cleansed, and answers, "Here I am. Send me!"
- Main passage Isaiah 6:1–13
- Related John 12:39–41
People Isaiah
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- About 740 BCE Approximate historical setting
Isaiah 6:1 dates the vision to the year King Uzziah died, about 740 BCE in the Thiele-based chronology.
The sign of ImmanuelIsaiah 7:1–17About 735-732 BCE
When Aram and Israel threaten Ahaz, Isaiah offers him the sign of a child called Immanuel.
- Main passage Isaiah 7:1–17
- Related 2 Kings 16:5–9Matthew 1:22–23
People Isaiah
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- About 735-732 BCE Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Micah: what the LORD requiresMicah 6:1–8Reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah
Micah announces judgement on Samaria and Jerusalem and declares that the LORD requires justice, mercy and humility.
- Main passage Micah 6:1–8
- Related Micah 1:1Micah 5:2Jeremiah 26:18
People Micah
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- Reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
The fall of Samaria2 Kings 17:1–23722 BCE
Assyria besieges Samaria for three years and takes Israel into exile, because they had abandoned the LORD.
- Main passage 2 Kings 17:1–23
- Related 2 Kings 18:9–12Psalm 80:1–19
Places named Samaria 2 Kings 17:5
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 722 BCE Approximate historical setting
Assyrian records of Shalmaneser V and Sargon II confirm Samaria's capture in 722 BCE (some reckon 721).
Hezekiah's reform and Passover2 Kings 18:1–8Hezekiah about 715-686 BCE1 parallel account
Hezekiah reopens the temple, removes idols, breaks the bronze serpent and invites all Israel to celebrate the Passover.
- Main passage 2 Kings 18:1–8
- Also told in 2 Chronicles 29:1–31:21
People Hezekiah
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- Hezekiah about 715-686 BCE Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Sennacherib threatens Jerusalem2 Kings 18:13–19:37701 BCE2 parallel accounts
The Assyrian army surrounds Jerusalem; Hezekiah prays, Isaiah brings God's answer, and the Assyrians withdraw.
- Main passage 2 Kings 18:13–19:37
- Also told in Isaiah 36:1–37:382 Chronicles 32:1–23
- Related Psalm 46:1–11
Places named Lachish 2 Kings 18:14
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 701 BCE Approximate historical setting
Sennacherib's own annals describe his campaign against Judah and the siege of Lachish in 701 BCE.
Hezekiah's illness and the envoys from Babylon2 Kings 20:1–21About 701 BCE1 parallel account
Hezekiah is healed and given fifteen more years, then shows his treasures to envoys from Babylon; Isaiah foretells the exile.
- Main passage 2 Kings 20:1–21
- Also told in Isaiah 38:1–39:8
- Related 2 Chronicles 32:24–33
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- About 701 BCE Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Manasseh's reign and repentance2 Kings 21:1–18About 697-642 BCE1 parallel account
Manasseh leads Judah into great evil; Chronicles adds that in captivity he humbled himself and was restored.
- Main passage 2 Kings 21:1–18
- Also told in 2 Chronicles 33:1–20
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- About 697-642 BCE Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
Stories and studies Repentance
Josiah finds the book of the law2 Kings 22:1–23:25About 622 BCE1 parallel account
During temple repairs the book of the law is found; Josiah tears his clothes, renews the covenant and celebrates the Passover.
- Main passage 2 Kings 22:1–23:25
- Also told in 2 Chronicles 34:1–35:19
People Josiah
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- About 622 BCE Approximate historical setting
Josiah's eighteenth year (2 Kings 22:3), about 622 BCE.
The call of JeremiahJeremiah 1:1–19About 627/626 BCE
The LORD calls Jeremiah, who protests that he is too young, and touches his mouth: "I have put my words in your mouth."
- Main passage Jeremiah 1:1–19
People Jeremiah
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- About 627/626 BCE Approximate historical setting
Jeremiah 1:2 dates the call to Josiah's thirteenth year.
Jeremiah's temple sermonJeremiah 7:1–15About 609-608 BCE
At the temple gate Jeremiah warns that the temple will not protect people who oppress others and worship idols.
- Main passage Jeremiah 7:1–15
- Related Jeremiah 26:1–24
People Jeremiah
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- About 609-608 BCE Approximate historical setting
Thiele-based chronology of the kings of Israel and Judah; other reconstructions differ by a few years to a few decades.
The death of Josiah2 Kings 23:28–30609 BCE1 parallel account
Josiah goes out against Pharaoh Necho at Megiddo and is killed; Judah mourns him.
- Main passage 2 Kings 23:28–30
- Also told in 2 Chronicles 35:20–27
People Josiah
Places named Megiddo 2 Kings 23:29
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 609 BCE Approximate historical setting
Babylonian records place Necho's campaign to the Euphrates in 609 BCE.
Habakkuk questions GodHabakkuk 1:1–2:4Late 7th century BCE (proposed)
Habakkuk asks why God allows injustice and why he will use the Chaldeans; he learns that the righteous will live by faith and ends in trust.
- Main passage Habakkuk 1:1–2:4
- Related Habakkuk 3:17–19Romans 1:17
People Habakkuk
- Place in the order
- Strongly supported relative order The order is well supported by the text, though not stated outright.
- Historical setting
- Late 7th century BCE (proposed) Proposed chronology
Habakkuk speaks of the Chaldeans rising, which fits the years before Babylon's first attack on Judah; the book gives no date.
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How the timeline is built
- Explicit biblical sequence
- Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Strongly supported relative order
- The order is well supported by the text, though not stated outright.
- Disputed placement
- Where this belongs in the sequence is debated; the placement here is an editorial choice.
- Approximate historical setting
- An approximate date with its basis.
- Proposed chronology
- A date proposed by scholars; Scripture gives none.
- Disputed date
- Significant alternatives are shown.
- Unknown date
- No calendar date can responsibly be given.
The order of events is BibleKenya's own reading of Scripture. Dates for the kings follow a widely used reconstruction (based on E. R. Thiele); anchors confirmed by Assyrian, Babylonian or Persian records say so. Visions are shown as visions, not as dated events. The date an event happened is not the same as the date a book was written.