Curated timeline

Ancient Israel History

A chronicle of the people of Israel from the biblical patriarchs and the United Monarchy of David and Solomon to the destruction of the Second Temple. A history of faith, conflict, and resilience in the Holy Land.

• God's Covenant with Abraham (about 2000 BCE)

  God calls Abraham from Ur and establishes covenant promising land, descendants, and blessing to all nations.

• Binding of Isaac (about 1980 BCE)

  Abraham's test of faith when God commands him to sacrifice Isaac, demonstrating ultimate obedience.

• Jacob Becomes Israel (about 1900 BCE)

  Jacob wrestles with an angel at Peniel and receives the name Israel, father of the twelve tribes.

• Joseph's Rise in Egypt (about 1850 BCE)

  Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams, becomes vizier of Egypt, and saves his family during famine.

• Moses and the Burning Bush (about 1450 BCE)

  God appears to Moses in the burning bush at Mount Horeb, calling him to deliver Israel from Egypt.

• Ten Commandments at Sinai (about 1449 BCE)

  God gives the Ten Commandments and Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai, establishing the covenant law.

• Conquest of Canaan (1408-1400 BCE)

  Joshua leads systematic conquest of Canaanite cities and peoples throughout the Promised Land.

• Samson's Exploits (about 1100 BCE)

  Samson demonstrates supernatural strength against Philistines until betrayal by Delilah leads to his death.

• Samuel's Calling (about 1080 BCE)

  Young Samuel hears God's voice in the temple, beginning his ministry as prophet and judge.

• Saul Anointed First King (about 1050 BCE)

  Samuel anoints Saul, son of Kish from tribe of Benjamin, as Israel's first king.

• David Defeats Goliath (about 1025 BCE)

  Young shepherd David kills Philistine giant Goliath with a sling stone, bringing great victory to Israel.

• David Anointed King (about 1010 BCE)

  David becomes king over united Israel after Saul's death, establishing his reign from Hebron then Jerusalem.

• Conquest of Jerusalem (about 1003 BCE)

  David captures Jerusalem from the Jebusites, making it his capital and 'City of David'.

• Solomon's Wisdom (about 970 BCE)

  God grants Solomon extraordinary wisdom, demonstrated in famous judgment between two mothers claiming same baby.

• Building of First Temple (967-960 BCE)

  Solomon constructs magnificent Temple in Jerusalem as permanent dwelling place for God's presence.

• Kingdom Divides (about 930 BCE)

  Israel splits into northern kingdom (Israel) under Jeroboam and southern kingdom (Judah) under Rehoboam.

• Elijah's Translation (about 850 BCE)

  Elijah is taken up to heaven in whirlwind and fiery chariot, passing his mantle to Elisha.

• Fall of Northern Kingdom (722 BCE)

  Assyrians conquer Samaria, ending kingdom of Israel and exiling ten northern tribes.

• First Babylonian Deportation (605 BCE)

  Nebuchadnezzar takes first group of Jewish nobles including Daniel to Babylon as hostages.

• Destruction of Jerusalem (586 BCE)

  Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple, beginning the major period of Jewish exile.

• Babylonian Exile Begins (586 BCE)

  Majority of Judah's population deported to Babylon, marking end of the kingdom period.

• Cyrus's Decree (538 BCE)

  Persian King Cyrus allows Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.

• Second Temple Built (520-516 BCE)

  Zerubbabel leads construction of Second Temple under encouragement of prophets Haggai and Zechariah.

• Nehemiah Rebuilds Walls (445 BCE)

  Nehemiah returns as governor and rebuilds Jerusalem's walls despite opposition from surrounding peoples.

• Alexander Conquers Judah (332 BCE)

  Alexander the Great conquers Judah, beginning the Hellenistic period and Greek cultural influence.

Open the interactive timeline viewer to explore the full timeline.