Timeline of Old Testament Events

Our Old Testament timeline offers believers a valuable roadmap for navigating the vast and storied landscape of Scripture’s earliest narratives. By situating key events and figures in a clear chronological framework, we gain fresh perspective on how God orchestrated His redemptive plan through eras of creation, covenants, conquests, and captivity. This method of studying Scripture shines light on the divine thread tying together everything from Adam’s first breath in Eden to the return of God’s people from Babylonian exile. As we trace these pivotal moments in order, we discover not only a cohesive story of humanity’s struggle and redemption, but also an ongoing revelation of God’s steadfast faithfulness, His eternal wisdom, and His enduring desire to dwell among His people.

835 BC

King Joash of Judah

Joash of Judah began to reign at seven and "did what was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest" (2 Chronicles 24:2). Guided by Jehoiada, he set his heart to repair the temple: he summoned the Levites, placed a chest at the gate, and the people gladly gave until there was enough to "restore the house of the LORD" (2 Chronicles 24:12). Craftsmen were hired, breaches were mended, utensils were made, and "they offered burnt offerings in the house of the LORD continually all the days of Jehoiada" (2 Chronicles 24:14). Under wise, godly counsel, Joash's leadership aligned with covenant worship and produced visible renewal.

But when Jehoiada died at a great age, Judah’s officials flattered the young king, and "the king listened to them" (2 Chronicles 24:17). They abandoned the house they had just repaired and served idols. Then God sent prophets, yet they would not listen. Zechariah, Jehoiada's son, stood and declared, "Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD and do not prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has also forsaken you" (2 Chronicles 24:20). At Joash's command they stoned him in a shocking betrayal of the priestly family that had preserved Joash's own life. The LORD then gave Judah into the hand of a small Aramean force. Wounded on his bed, Joash was assassinated by his servants and denied burial among the kings (2 Chronicles 24:25). His life warns that borrowed faith collapses when counsel changes, and it points to our need for a faithful Son of David whose heart never turns—one who sustains true worship from the inside out.