Biblical chronology

Biblical chronology
Michelangelo · Public domain · source
Name	Biblical chronology
Type	Religious and historical timeline
Scope	Events described in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament
Key events	Creation, Flood, Patriarchs, The Exodus, United Monarchy, Babylonian captivity, life of Jesus
Sources	Masoretic Text, Septuagint, Samaritan Pentateuch, Dead Sea Scrolls

Biblical chronology refers to the attempt to assign dates and construct a coherent timeline for the events described in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. This endeavor involves reconciling internal biblical data with external historical evidence from archaeology and records from neighboring civilizations like Ancient Egypt and Assyria. Scholars and theologians have developed various systems, leading to significant debates about the dating of key events from the Creation to the Apostolic Age.

Major chronological systems

The primary textual traditions provide different numerical data for constructing timelines. The Masoretic Text, the authoritative Hebrew source for Rabbinic Judaism, forms the basis for many traditional calculations, including those by medieval scholars like Maimonides. The Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation used by early Christian writers such as Augustine of Hippo, often presents longer chronologies, particularly in the Genesis genealogies. The Samaritan Pentateuch offers a third, distinct set of figures. These variations have led to competing chronological models, including the widely cited Ussher chronology from the 17th century, which dated Creation to 4004 BC, and the later work of William Henry Green.

Key events and timelines

Major anchor points include the calculated date of Creation, the Flood in the time of Noah, and the lives of the Patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. A central, though highly debated, event is The Exodus, traditionally placed in the 15th or 13th century BC, linked to pharaohs such as Thutmose III or Ramesses II. The establishment of the United Monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon is another critical period. Later pivotal dates include the destruction of the First Temple by Nebuchadnezzar II, the Babylonian captivity, and the decree of Cyrus the Great allowing return. The New Testament timeline centers on the birth, ministry, and crucifixion of Jesus, set against Roman rulers like Herod the Great and Pontius Pilate.

Textual sources and methods

Chronologists rely on a close examination of biblical texts, including genealogical lists in books like Chronicles and Luke, and regnal years of kings in the Books of Kings. External synchronisms are sought with well-dated events from the ancient Near East, such as the Battle of Qarqar or the Siege of Lachish depicted in the Taylor Prism of Sennacherib. Astronomical events mentioned, like the eclipse possibly referenced in the Book of Amos, are also analyzed. The work involves correlating these with artifacts from sites like Tel Dan and records from empires including the Neo-Assyrian Empire and the Achaemenid Empire.

Discrepancies and interpretations

Significant discrepancies exist both within the biblical texts and between biblical and external histories. For example, the Books of Kings and Chronicles sometimes offer different lengths for the same king’s reign. The duration of the Israelites' stay in Egypt—whether 400 or 430 years—is debated. Furthermore, archaeological evidence from sites like Jericho and Hazor has been interpreted by some, like Israel Finkelstein, as challenging traditional dates for the Conquest of Canaan. These issues have led to interpretive schools ranging from literalist readings to historical-critical approaches that view numbers as theological or symbolic, as discussed by scholars like Brevard S. Childs.

Historical and archaeological context

The field operates at the intersection of theology, history, and archaeology. Discoveries such as the Merneptah Stele, which mentions Israel, the Tel Dan Stele referencing the "House of David," and the Cyrus Cylinder provide external touchpoints. However, periods like the Patriarchal age and the United Monarchy lack direct, contemporaneous extra-biblical confirmation, leading to ongoing debates. The context of Second Temple Judaism and the Hellenistic period is crucial for understanding later biblical chronology. Ultimately, the study reflects broader discussions about the relationship between the Bible as sacred scripture and its value as a historical source for the Ancient Near East.

Category:Biblical studies Category:Chronology Category:Historicity of the Bible