Tools
Old Testament Timeline
Eight eras from creation to return — with the books, key events, and cross references for each
The Old Testament tells one continuous story across roughly two thousand years. Read it in eight eras and the kings, prophets, and exile fall into place. Each era below names its books, its key events, and where to read.
0 of 8 eras done
Saved on this device. Sign in to keep your progress on every device.
Era 1
Creation and Fall
- Books: Genesis 1–11.
- Key events: creation, the fall, the flood, the tower of Babel.
- Watch for the first promise of a rescuer in Genesis 3:15 — the story's thread.
Cross References
Era 2
The Patriarchs
- Books: Genesis 12–50.
- Key figures: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph.
- The promise of blessing for all nations drives everything that follows.
Cross References
Era 3
Exodus and the Law
- Books: Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.
- Key events: the plagues, the Passover, Sinai, forty years in the wilderness.
- The law taught Israel how to live as God's covenant people.
Cross References
Era 4
Conquest and Judges
- Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth.
- Key events: Jericho, the division of the land, the repeated cycle of rebellion and rescue.
- Ruth quietly carries David's family line forward in dark times.
Cross References
Era 5
The United Kingdom
- Books: 1–2 Samuel, 1 Kings 1–11, 1–2 Chronicles, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs.
- Key figures: Saul, David, Solomon.
- God's covenant with David promises an eternal king from his line.
Cross References
Era 6
The Divided Kingdom and the Prophets
- Books: 1 Kings 12 – 2 Kings 25, 2 Chronicles, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the prophets.
- Key events: the kingdom splits, Israel falls to Assyria, Judah drifts toward Babylon.
- The prophets called the people back and promised a new covenant.
Cross References
Era 7
The Exile
- Books: Daniel, Ezekiel, portions of Jeremiah and the Psalms.
- Key events: Jerusalem falls in 586 BC, the temple is destroyed, God's people live in Babylon.
- Even far from home, God keeps faith with His people — and keeps a remnant hopeful.
Cross References
Era 8
Return and Rebuilding
- Books: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.
- Key events: the temple rebuilt, the walls rebuilt, the law read aloud, and four centuries of waiting begin.
- The Old Testament ends longing for the Messiah the New Testament will announce.