Bible Timeline · Period 2 of 10
The Patriarchs
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph, and the book of Job (Genesis 12-50; Job).
God calls Abram and promises land, descendants and blessing for all nations. The promise passes to Isaac and Jacob, and Jacob's family ends in Egypt with Joseph.
Job is placed here because its setting resembles the patriarchal age. Scripture does not date Job, so its placement is shown as debated.
Scripture Genesis 12–50Job 1–42
Events follow the order Scripture presents. Switch to “Historical setting” to see approximate dates and how they are known.
Events
Job is testedJob 1:1–2:13Not dated in ScripturePlacement debated
Job, a blameless man of Uz, loses his children, his wealth and his health, yet he does not curse God.
- Main passage Job 1:1–2:13
- Related James 5:11
People Job
Places named The land of Uz Job 1:1
- Place in the order
- Disputed placement Where this belongs in the sequence is debated; the placement here is an editorial choice.
- Historical setting
- Not dated in Scripture Unknown date
The book of Job names no king, ruler or datable event. Its setting is often compared with the patriarchal age; that is a judgement about its setting, not a date.
Job is placed before Abraham as an editorial choice; Scripture does not place it in time.
Job and his friendsJob 3:1–31:40Not dated in ScripturePlacement debated
Job curses the day he was born and argues with three friends who insist his suffering must be punishment; Job maintains his innocence and asks God to answer.
- Main passage Job 3:1–31:40
People Job
- Place in the order
- Disputed placement Where this belongs in the sequence is debated; the placement here is an editorial choice.
- Historical setting
- Not dated in Scripture Unknown date
The book of Job names no king, ruler or datable event. Its setting is often compared with the patriarchal age; that is a judgement about its setting, not a date.
The LORD answers JobJob 38:1–42:6Not dated in ScripturePlacement debated
The LORD speaks to Job out of the whirlwind, asking about the wonders of creation, and Job humbles himself.
- Main passage Job 38:1–42:6
- Related Job 32:1–37:24
People Job
- Place in the order
- Disputed placement Where this belongs in the sequence is debated; the placement here is an editorial choice.
- Historical setting
- Not dated in Scripture Unknown date
The book of Job names no king, ruler or datable event. Its setting is often compared with the patriarchal age; that is a judgement about its setting, not a date.
Stories and studies Suffering
Job restoredJob 42:7–17Not dated in ScripturePlacement debated
The LORD rebukes Job's friends, Job prays for them, and the LORD restores Job's fortunes and family.
- Main passage Job 42:7–17
People Job
- Place in the order
- Disputed placement Where this belongs in the sequence is debated; the placement here is an editorial choice.
- Historical setting
- Not dated in Scripture Unknown date
The book of Job names no king, ruler or datable event. Its setting is often compared with the patriarchal age; that is a judgement about its setting, not a date.
The call of AbramGenesis 12:1–9No agreed date
God tells Abram to leave his country for a land he will be shown, promising to make him a great nation through whom all families of the earth will be blessed.
- Main passage Genesis 12:1–9
- Related Hebrews 11:8–10Acts 7:2–5
Places named Haran Genesis 12:4 · Shechem Genesis 12:6 · Bethel Genesis 12:8
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Stories and studies Abraham and IsaacCovenantAbraham's Journey
Abram in EgyptGenesis 12:10–20No agreed date
During a famine Abram goes to Egypt and says Sarai is his sister; Pharaoh takes her into his house until plagues reveal the truth.
- Main passage Genesis 12:10–20
Places named Egypt Genesis 12:10
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Abram and Lot separateGenesis 13:1–18No agreed date
Their herds grow too large to live together; Lot chooses the Jordan plain near Sodom, and God renews his promise of the land to Abram.
- Main passage Genesis 13:1–18
Places named Sodom Genesis 13:12 · Hebron (the oaks of Mamre) Genesis 13:18
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Abram rescues Lot and meets MelchizedekGenesis 14:1–24No agreed date
Abram rescues Lot from invading kings; Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, blesses him, and Abram gives him a tenth.
- Main passage Genesis 14:1–24
- Related Psalm 110:4Hebrews 7:1–10
People AbrahamLotMelchizedek
Places named Salem Genesis 14:18
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
God's covenant with AbramGenesis 15:1–21No agreed date
Abram believes the LORD's promise of descendants as many as the stars, and the LORD makes a covenant with him.
- Main passage Genesis 15:1–21
- Related Romans 4:1–25Galatians 3:6–9
People Abraham
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Hagar and IshmaelGenesis 16:1–16No agreed date
Sarai gives her servant Hagar to Abram; Hagar runs away, and the angel of the LORD meets her and promises a son, Ishmael.
- Main passage Genesis 16:1–16
- Related Galatians 4:21–31
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Abraham and the sign of circumcisionGenesis 17:1–27No agreed date
God renames Abram as Abraham and Sarai as Sarah, promises a son through Sarah, and gives circumcision as the sign of the covenant.
- Main passage Genesis 17:1–27
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Stories and studies Covenant
Three visitors; Sodom and GomorrahGenesis 18:1–19:29No agreed date
The LORD visits Abraham and promises Sarah a son; Abraham pleads for Sodom, which is destroyed while Lot escapes.
- Main passage Genesis 18:1–19:29
- Related Genesis 19:30–38Luke 17:28–32
Places named Sodom and Gomorrah Genesis 19:24
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Abraham and AbimelechGenesis 20:1–18No agreed date
Abraham again calls Sarah his sister, and God warns King Abimelech of Gerar in a dream.
- Main passage Genesis 20:1–18
Places named Gerar Genesis 20:1
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
The birth of IsaacGenesis 21:1–21No agreed date
Sarah gives birth to Isaac in her old age; Hagar and Ishmael are sent away, and God cares for them in the wilderness.
- Main passage Genesis 21:1–21
Places named The wilderness of Beersheba Genesis 21:14
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Stories and studies Abraham and Sarah
Abraham offers IsaacGenesis 22:1–19No agreed date
God tests Abraham, telling him to offer Isaac; at the last moment the angel of the LORD stops him and a ram is provided.
- Main passage Genesis 22:1–19
- Related Hebrews 11:17–19James 2:21–23
Places named The land of Moriah Genesis 22:2
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Stories and studies Abraham and IsaacFaith
Sarah's deathGenesis 23:1–20No agreed date
Sarah dies in Hebron, and Abraham buys the cave of Machpelah to bury her.
- Main passage Genesis 23:1–20
Places named The cave of Machpelah Genesis 23:19
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
A wife for IsaacGenesis 24:1–67No agreed date
Abraham's servant prays for guidance and meets Rebekah at a well; she agrees to go and marry Isaac.
- Main passage Genesis 24:1–67
Places named The city of Nahor Genesis 24:10
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Jacob and Esau born; the birthrightGenesis 25:19–34No agreed date
Rebekah gives birth to twins; later Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for a meal. Abraham dies and is buried by his sons.
- Main passage Genesis 25:19–34
- Related Genesis 25:7–11Romans 9:10–13
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Stories and studies Jacob and EsauJacob and Esau
Isaac in GerarGenesis 26:1–33No agreed date
In a famine God tells Isaac to stay in the land and repeats the promise to Abraham; Isaac digs wells and makes peace with Abimelech.
- Main passage Genesis 26:1–33
Places named Gerar Genesis 26:6 · Beersheba Genesis 26:33
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Jacob takes the blessingGenesis 27:1–46No agreed date
With Rebekah's help Jacob deceives his blind father and receives the blessing meant for Esau, then flees from Esau's anger.
- Main passage Genesis 27:1–46
- Related Hebrews 12:16–17
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Stories and studies Jacob and Esau
Jacob's dream at BethelGenesis 28:10–22No agreed date
On the way to Haran Jacob dreams of a stairway to heaven, and the LORD promises to be with him.
- Main passage Genesis 28:10–22
- Related John 1:51
People Jacob
Places named Bethel Genesis 28:19
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Jacob, Rachel and LeahGenesis 29:1–30:43No agreed date
Jacob works for Laban, marries Leah and Rachel, and his family grows.
- Main passage Genesis 29:1–30:43
People Jacob
Places named Haran Genesis 29:4
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Jacob leaves LabanGenesis 31:1–55No agreed date
Jacob leaves secretly with his family and flocks; Laban pursues him, and they make a covenant at Mizpah.
- Main passage Genesis 31:1–55
People Jacob
Places named Mizpah Genesis 31:49
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Jacob wrestles with GodGenesis 32:22–32No agreed date
Alone at night by the Jabbok, Jacob wrestles until daybreak and is renamed Israel.
- Main passage Genesis 32:22–32
- Related Genesis 32:1–21Hosea 12:3–4
People Jacob
Places named Peniel Genesis 32:30
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Jacob meets EsauGenesis 33:1–20No agreed date
Esau runs to meet Jacob and embraces him, and the brothers are reconciled.
- Main passage Genesis 33:1–20
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Stories and studies Jacob and EsauReconciliation
Return to Bethel; Rachel diesGenesis 35:1–29No agreed date
Jacob returns to Bethel and God confirms his name Israel; Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin, and Isaac dies.
- Main passage Genesis 35:1–29
Places named Bethel Genesis 35:6 · Ephrath (Bethlehem) Genesis 35:19
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Joseph sold by his brothersGenesis 37:1–36No agreed date
Jacob's favourite son Joseph dreams of ruling his brothers; they sell him to traders bound for Egypt.
- Main passage Genesis 37:1–36
- Related Acts 7:9
Places named Dothan Genesis 37:17
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Stories and studies Joseph and His BrothersJoseph and His Brothers
Judah and TamarGenesis 38:1–30No agreed date
Judah fails to give his widowed daughter-in-law Tamar her rights; she bears twins, Perez and Zerah, ancestors in the line of David.
- Main passage Genesis 38:1–30
- Related Ruth 4:18–22Matthew 1:3
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Joseph in Potiphar's house and in prisonGenesis 39:1–40:23No agreed date
Joseph prospers in Potiphar's house, is falsely accused and imprisoned, and interprets the dreams of two prisoners.
- Main passage Genesis 39:1–40:23
People Joseph
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Stories and studies Joseph and His Brothers
Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreamsGenesis 41:1–57No agreed date
Joseph explains Pharaoh's dreams of seven good years and seven years of famine, and Pharaoh puts him in charge of Egypt.
- Main passage Genesis 41:1–57
People Joseph
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Stories and studies Joseph and His Brothers
The brothers come to EgyptGenesis 42:1–44:34No agreed date
Famine drives Joseph's brothers to Egypt for grain; Joseph recognises them and tests them.
- Main passage Genesis 42:1–44:34
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Stories and studies Joseph and His Brothers
Joseph makes himself knownGenesis 45:1–28No agreed date
Joseph tells his brothers who he is and says that God sent him ahead to save lives.
- Main passage Genesis 45:1–28
- Related Genesis 50:19–21
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Stories and studies Joseph and His BrothersForgivenessJoseph and His Brothers
Jacob's family moves to EgyptGenesis 46:1–47:31No agreed date
God tells Jacob not to fear going to Egypt; the family settles in Goshen.
- Main passage Genesis 46:1–47:31
Places named Beersheba Genesis 46:1 · Goshen Genesis 47:6
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Jacob blesses his sons and diesGenesis 48:1–50:14No agreed date
Jacob blesses Joseph's sons and his own twelve sons, then dies and is buried in Canaan.
- Main passage Genesis 48:1–50:14
- Related Hebrews 11:21
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Joseph forgives his brothers and diesGenesis 50:15–26No agreed date
Joseph tells his brothers that God meant for good what they meant for evil, and asks that his bones be taken to the promised land.
- Main passage Genesis 50:15–26
- Related Exodus 13:19Hebrews 11:22
People Joseph
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- No agreed date Disputed date
Scripture gives no calendar date for the patriarchs. They are often placed somewhere in the second millennium BCE, but scholars disagree.
Stories and studies ForgivenessProvidence
No event matches. Try another word or clear the filters.
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.