Bible Timeline · Period 3 of 10
Exodus and Wilderness
Moses, the exodus from Egypt, Sinai and forty years in the wilderness (Exodus to Deuteronomy).
Israel is enslaved in Egypt. God calls Moses, brings the people out through the sea, makes a covenant with them at Sinai and leads them through the wilderness to the edge of Canaan.
The date of the exodus is debated: 1 Kings 6:1 points to the fifteenth century BCE, while many scholars argue for the thirteenth. Both views are shown; neither is stated in the Bible as a calendar year.
Scripture Exodus 1–40Numbers 1–36Deuteronomy 1–34
Events follow the order Scripture presents. Switch to “Historical setting” to see approximate dates and how they are known.
Events
Israel oppressed in EgyptExodus 1:1–2215th or 13th century BCE (debated)
A new king who did not know Joseph enslaves the Israelites and orders their baby boys killed; the midwives fear God and refuse.
- Main passage Exodus 1:1–22
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Stories and studies The Exodus from Egypt
The birth of MosesExodus 2:1–1015th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Moses' mother hides him in a basket on the Nile; Pharaoh's daughter finds him and raises him.
- Main passage Exodus 2:1–10
- Related Hebrews 11:23
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Stories and studies The Exodus from EgyptBaby Moses
Moses flees to MidianExodus 2:11–2515th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Moses kills an Egyptian, flees to Midian, marries Zipporah and keeps the flocks of her father.
- Main passage Exodus 2:11–25
- Related Acts 7:23–29
Places named Midian Exodus 2:15
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
The burning bushExodus 3:1–4:1715th or 13th century BCE (debated)
At Horeb God speaks to Moses from a bush that burns but is not consumed, reveals his name and sends him to bring Israel out of Egypt.
- Main passage Exodus 3:1–4:17
- Related Acts 7:30–35
Places named Horeb, the mountain of God Exodus 3:1
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Stories and studies The Exodus from Egypt
Moses and Aaron before PharaohExodus 5:1–7:1315th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Moses and Aaron ask Pharaoh to let the people go; he makes their labour harder, and God renews his promise.
- Main passage Exodus 5:1–7:13
- Related Exodus 4:18–31
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Stories and studies The Exodus from EgyptMoses and Pharaoh
The plagues on EgyptExodus 7:14–11:1015th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Water turns to blood, and frogs, gnats, flies, disease, boils, hail, locusts and darkness strike Egypt while Pharaoh hardens his heart.
- Main passage Exodus 7:14–11:10
- Related Psalm 105:26–36
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Stories and studies The Exodus from EgyptMoses and Pharaoh
The PassoverExodus 12:1–5115th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Israel kills the Passover lamb and marks the doorposts; the firstborn of Egypt die, and Pharaoh sends the people out.
- Main passage Exodus 12:1–51
- Related 1 Corinthians 5:7Luke 22:14–20
Places named Rameses Exodus 12:37 · Succoth Exodus 12:37
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Stories and studies The Exodus from EgyptRedemption
Crossing the seaExodus 13:17–14:3115th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Trapped between the sea and Pharaoh's army, Israel crosses on dry ground, and the waters return over the Egyptians.
- Main passage Exodus 13:17–14:31
- Related Psalm 106:7–12Hebrews 11:29
People Moses
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Stories and studies The Crossing of the Red SeaThe Crossing of the Sea
The song of Moses and MiriamExodus 15:1–2115th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Moses and the people sing to the LORD for their rescue, and Miriam leads the women with tambourines.
- Main passage Exodus 15:1–21
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Stories and studies The Crossing of the Red SeaWorship
Manna and quailExodus 16:1–3615th or 13th century BCE (debated)
In the wilderness the people grumble; God sends quail and daily manna, with a double portion before the Sabbath.
- Main passage Exodus 16:1–36
- Related John 6:30–35
Places named The wilderness of Sin Exodus 16:1
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Stories and studies Manna in the Wilderness
Water from the rock; victory over AmalekExodus 17:1–1615th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Moses strikes the rock at Horeb for water; Joshua defeats Amalek while Moses' hands are held up.
- Main passage Exodus 17:1–16
Places named Massah and Meribah Exodus 17:7 · Rephidim Exodus 17:8
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Jethro's adviceExodus 18:1–2715th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Jethro sees Moses judging the people all day and advises him to appoint capable leaders to share the work.
- Main passage Exodus 18:1–27
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
The Ten Commandments at SinaiExodus 19:1–20:2115th or 13th century BCE (debated)1 parallel account
At Mount Sinai God speaks the Ten Commandments to Israel amid thunder and smoke.
- Main passage Exodus 19:1–20:21
- Also told in Deuteronomy 5:1–33
- Related Matthew 22:36–40
People Moses
Places named Mount Sinai Exodus 19:20
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Stories and studies Understanding the Ten CommandmentsThe Ten CommandmentsThe Ten Commandments
The covenant confirmedExodus 24:1–1815th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Moses writes down the LORD's laws, the people promise to obey, and the covenant is sealed with blood.
- Main passage Exodus 24:1–18
- Related Exodus 20:22–23:33Hebrews 9:18–20
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Stories and studies Covenant
The golden calfExodus 32:1–3515th or 13th century BCE (debated)
While Moses is on the mountain, Aaron makes a golden calf; Moses breaks the tablets and pleads for the people.
- Main passage Exodus 32:1–35
- Related Psalm 106:19–231 Corinthians 10:7
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
The LORD's glory and the covenant renewedExodus 33:12–34:3515th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Moses asks to see God's glory; the LORD proclaims his name, "merciful and gracious", and renews the covenant.
- Main passage Exodus 33:12–34:35
- Related Exodus 33:1–112 Corinthians 3:7–18
People Moses
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Stories and studies Mercy
The tabernacle set upExodus 40:1–3815th or 13th century BCE (debated)
The tabernacle is completed as the LORD commanded, and his glory fills it.
- Main passage Exodus 40:1–38
- Related Exodus 25:1–9Hebrews 8:1–5
People Moses
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Stories and studies Worship
Aaron and his sons ordainedLeviticus 8:1–9:2415th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Moses ordains Aaron and his sons as priests; fire from the LORD consumes the offering.
- Main passage Leviticus 8:1–9:24
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Nadab and AbihuLeviticus 10:1–2015th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Two of Aaron's sons offer unauthorised fire and die before the LORD.
- Main passage Leviticus 10:1–20
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
The Day of Atonement institutedLeviticus 16:1–3415th or 13th century BCE (debated)
The LORD gives the rites of the Day of Atonement, when the high priest enters the Most Holy Place and the scapegoat is sent away.
- Main passage Leviticus 16:1–34
- Related Hebrews 9:1–14
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
The census and the campNumbers 1:1–2:3415th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Moses counts the fighting men by tribe and arranges the tribes around the tabernacle.
- Main passage Numbers 1:1–2:34
Places named The wilderness of Sinai Numbers 1:1
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Leaving SinaiNumbers 10:11–3615th or 13th century BCE (debated)
The cloud lifts from the tabernacle and Israel sets out from Sinai, following the ark.
- Main passage Numbers 10:11–36
People Moses
Places named The wilderness of Paran Numbers 10:12
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Miriam and Aaron speak against MosesNumbers 12:1–1615th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Miriam and Aaron criticise Moses; the LORD defends him, and Miriam is struck with a skin disease until Moses prays for her.
- Main passage Numbers 12:1–16
Places named Hazeroth Numbers 12:16
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
The twelve spiesNumbers 13:1–14:4515th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Ten spies say Canaan cannot be taken; Joshua and Caleb urge trust in the LORD. The people refuse and are sentenced to forty years in the wilderness.
- Main passage Numbers 13:1–14:45
- Related Hebrews 3:16–19Deuteronomy 1:19–46
Places named Kadesh Numbers 13:26
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Korah's rebellionNumbers 16:1–17:1315th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Korah, Dathan and Abiram challenge Moses and Aaron and are swallowed by the earth; Aaron's staff buds as a sign.
- Main passage Numbers 16:1–17:13
- Related Jude 11
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Miriam dies; water at MeribahNumbers 20:1–1315th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Miriam dies at Kadesh; Moses strikes the rock in anger and is told he will not lead Israel into the land. Aaron dies on Mount Hor.
- Main passage Numbers 20:1–13
- Related Numbers 20:22–29
Places named Kadesh Numbers 20:1 · Mount Hor Numbers 20:22
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
The bronze serpentNumbers 21:4–915th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Bitten by venomous snakes, the people repent; anyone who looks at the bronze serpent Moses lifts up lives.
- Main passage Numbers 21:4–9
- Related John 3:14–152 Kings 18:4
People Moses
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Balaam and his donkeyNumbers 22:1–24:2515th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Balak of Moab hires Balaam to curse Israel; after his donkey sees the angel of the LORD, Balaam blesses Israel instead.
- Main passage Numbers 22:1–24:25
- Related 2 Peter 2:15–16
Places named The plains of Moab Numbers 22:1
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Joshua commissionedNumbers 27:12–2315th or 13th century BCE (debated)
The LORD tells Moses to lay his hands on Joshua as the people's next leader.
- Main passage Numbers 27:12–23
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
Moses' last speechesDeuteronomy 6:1–915th or 13th century BCE (debated)
On the plains of Moab Moses retells Israel's journey, repeats the law and calls the people to love the LORD with all their heart.
- Main passage Deuteronomy 6:1–9
- Related Deuteronomy 1:1–5Deuteronomy 30:11–20Mark 12:28–30
People Moses
Places named Beyond the Jordan, in the land of Moab Deuteronomy 1:5
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
The death of MosesDeuteronomy 34:1–1215th or 13th century BCE (debated)
Moses sees the promised land from Mount Nebo and dies there; Joshua succeeds him.
- Main passage Deuteronomy 34:1–12
- Related Psalm 90:1–17
Places named Mount Nebo Deuteronomy 34:1
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- 15th or 13th century BCE (debated) Disputed date
1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the exodus to Solomon's fourth year, which points to about 1446 BCE in the conventional chronology. Many scholars argue for the thirteenth century from archaeological evidence.
Proposals: About 1446 BCE (from 1 Kings 6:1); About 1260s BCE (archaeological arguments)
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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.