Eternal Word

Major Periods of Biblical History

• Creation to Flood (Genesis 1-11) - Beginning of time to c. 2348 BC
• Patriarchal Period (Genesis 12-50) - c. 2000-1700 BC
• Egyptian Bondage and Exodus - c. 1700-1400 BC
• Wilderness Wanderings - c. 1440-1400 BC
• Conquest and Judges - c. 1400-1050 BC
• United Kingdom - c. 1050-930 BC (Saul, David, Solomon)
• Divided Kingdom - c. 930-586 BC (Israel and Judah)
• Exile and Return - c. 586-400 BC
• Intertestamental Period - c. 400 BC-6 BC
• Life of Christ - c. 6 BC-30 AD
• Early Church - c. 30-100 AD

• Genesis: Creation, fall, flood, and the beginnings of God's chosen people through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
• Exodus: Israel's deliverance from Egypt, the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, and instructions for the tabernacle.
• Leviticus: Laws for worship, sacrifice, cleanliness, and holy living. Shows how sinful people can approach a holy God.
• Numbers: Israel's wilderness wanderings, censuses, and lessons in faith and obedience during 40 years of testing.
• Deuteronomy: Moses' final speeches reviewing God's law and preparing Israel to enter the Promised Land.

• Joshua: Conquest of Canaan and division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel.
• Judges: Cycles of rebellion, judgment, and deliverance during Israel's settlement period.
• Ruth: A Gentile woman's faith and loyalty, becoming part of Messiah's genealogy.
• 1 Samuel: Transition from judges to monarchy; Samuel, Saul, and David's rise.
• 2 Samuel: David's reign as king, his triumphs and failures, and God's covenant promises.
• 1 Kings: Solomon's wisdom and temple, then the kingdom's division into Israel and Judah.
• 2 Kings: The decline and fall of both kingdoms due to persistent rebellion against God.
• 1 Chronicles: David's reign from a priestly perspective, emphasizing worship and temple preparation.
• 2 Chronicles: Solomon's temple and the southern kingdom's history, focusing on faithful kings.
• Ezra: The first return from Babylonian exile and rebuilding of the temple.
• Nehemiah: The second return and rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls despite opposition.
• Esther: God's providence in preserving His people during Persian rule, though He's not mentioned by name.

• Job: The problem of suffering and God's sovereignty, showing that the righteous may suffer for reasons beyond their understanding.
• Psalms: 150 songs and prayers expressing every human emotion while maintaining faith in God's character and promises.
• Proverbs: Practical wisdom for daily living, contrasting the way of wisdom with the path of folly.
• Ecclesiastes: The vanity of life "under the sun" apart from God, concluding that fearing God gives life meaning.
• Song of Solomon: A celebration of love in marriage, possibly symbolizing God's love for His people.

• Isaiah: Condemnation of sin, comfort for the faithful, and detailed prophecies of the coming Messiah and His kingdom.
• Jeremiah: The "weeping prophet" warns Judah of coming judgment while promising future restoration.
• Lamentations: Jeremiah's sorrowful poems over Jerusalem's destruction, yet expressing hope in God's faithfulness.
• Ezekiel: Visions of God's glory, judgments on nations, and promises of Israel's future restoration.
• Daniel: Faithfulness in exile, prophetic visions of world empires, and the coming eternal kingdom of God.

• Hosea: God's unfailing love for unfaithful Israel, illustrated through the prophet's marriage.
• Joel: The Day of the Lord and the promise of God's Spirit being poured out on all flesh.
• Amos: God's judgment on Israel for social injustice and religious hypocrisy.
• Obadiah: Judgment on Edom for pride and violence against Israel.
• Jonah: God's mercy extends to Gentiles; the reluctant prophet learns about divine compassion.
• Micah: Judgment and restoration, including the famous prophecy of Messiah's birth in Bethlehem.
• Nahum: God's judgment on Nineveh (Assyria) for cruelty and oppression.
• Habakkuk: Wrestling with God's justice when He uses wicked nations to judge His people.
• Zephaniah: The Day of the Lord bringing judgment on nations but blessing on the faithful remnant.
• Haggai: Encouragement to rebuild the temple after return from exile.
• Zechariah: Messianic visions and encouragement for the restored community.
• Malachi: The final Old Testament prophet calls for covenant faithfulness and promises the coming forerunner.

• Matthew: Jesus as the promised King of Israel, emphasizing His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
• Mark: Jesus as the Servant of God, focusing on His works and actions with rapid narrative pace.
• Luke: Jesus as the perfect Man, showing His humanity and compassion for all people.
• John: Jesus as the Son of God, emphasizing His deity and the necessity of faith for eternal life.

• Acts: The birth and early expansion of the church through the power of the Holy Spirit, particularly following Peter and Paul.

• Romans: Comprehensive explanation of salvation by grace through faith, and practical Christian living.
• 1 Corinthians: Correction of church problems including divisions, immorality, and misuse of spiritual gifts.
• 2 Corinthians: Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry and encouragement during trials.
• Galatians: Defense of salvation by grace alone against legalistic teachers adding works to faith.
• Ephesians: The believer's position and privileges in Christ, and practical unity in the church.
• Philippians: Joy in Christ despite circumstances, with emphasis on Christ's example of humility.
• Colossians: The supremacy and sufficiency of Christ against false teachings.
• 1 Thessalonians: Encouragement for young converts and instruction about Christ's second coming.
• 2 Thessalonians: Further clarification about the Day of the Lord and encouragement to work diligently.
• 1 Timothy: Instructions for church leadership and organization, sound doctrine, and pastoral duties.
• 2 Timothy: Paul's final words, encouraging faithfulness and perseverance in ministry.
• Titus: Qualifications for church leaders and instruction for various groups within the church.
• Philemon: A personal letter demonstrating Christian love and forgiveness regarding a runaway slave.

• Hebrews: The superiority of Christ over the Old Testament system, encouraging perseverance in faith.
• James: Practical Christian living, showing that genuine faith produces good works.
• 1 Peter: Encouragement for suffering Christians, emphasizing hope and holy living.
• 2 Peter: Warning against false teachers and reminder of Christ's promised return.
• 1 John: Assurance of salvation and the importance of love as evidence of knowing God.
• 2 John: Warning against supporting false teachers who deny Christ's true nature.
• 3 John: Commendation for hospitality to traveling ministers and condemnation of church pride.
• Jude: Urgent warning to contend for the faith against ungodly false teachers.

• Revelation: Jesus Christ revealed in glory, judgments on earth, and the eternal state where God dwells with His people forever.