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.

874 BC

King Ahab of Israel

Ahab was the son of Omri and became king over the northern kingdom of Israel. He reigned in Samaria for 22 years and is remembered as one of Israel’s most wicked kings. Scripture says he did more evil in the sight of the LORD than the kings before him. He married Jezebel, the daughter of the king of Sidon, and brought Baal worship into Israel, building a temple and altar for Baal in Samaria.

During Ahab’s reign, the prophet Elijah confronted Israel’s idolatry, including the famous contest on Mount Carmel where the LORD proved He alone is God. Ahab also sinned by allowing Jezebel to arrange the murder of Naboth so he could take Naboth’s vineyard. Though Ahab humbled himself briefly after Elijah pronounced judgment, his reign ended in battle against Aram, just as the prophet Micaiah had warned. Ahab’s life shows the danger of weak leadership, idolatry, and rejecting the word of the LORD.