Monday, October 17, 2022

Nobody knows the exact date… same with Jesus’ birth!


 The 19 year cycle

In the Jewish calendar, it is usual to give the year as A.M. (Anno Mundi, Year of the World). This is calculated from the data given in the Tanach (Old Testament); the calculation is given in a book called the Seder Olam (Order of the World). The six days of creation described in Genesis chapter 1 have to be in some year, so they are assumed to be the last six days of Year 1. The first Shabbat (Saturday), described in Genesis chapter 2, was also the first day (Rosh Hashanah) of year 2AM.

An earlier tradition was that the first five days of creation were the last five days of Year 1 and the Friday was the first day of year 2AM. However, this is not in accordance with the present calendar rules, which forbid the year to start on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

According to the Jewish calculation, creation was in the autumn of 3761 BCE, slightly later than the traditional Christian figure of 4004 BCE. Thus the year 5701 began in 1940 in the Gregorian calendar and ended in 1941. Using that as a starting point, it is easy to convert years between the two calendars, remembering always that the new years do not coincide so a year in one calendar will always overlap with two years in the other.

A year is a leap year if the remainder (in AM) on division by 19 is 3, 6, 8, 11, 14, 17 or 0. Thus 5703, 5706, 5708, 5711, 5714, 5717 and 5719 were leap years with 13 months each, but not the years between, which only had 12 months. This rule is based on the Metonic cycle, which assumes that 19 years exactly equal 235 lunar months.

The 19 year cycle is quite accurate. Assuming 365.24219 days for the tropical year, to do better with a fixed cycle would require a cycle of 182 years containing 2,251 months. 


What others say: 

It makes my brain hurt; remember Jesus is not the author of confusion. We can number the days easily with the timelines in Genesis. 

Different historical cultures put the creation of the world at different dates. Many historical calendars were based on these dates.

  • Maya civilization - August 11 or August 13, 3114 BCE
  • Judaism - September 22 or March 29 3760 BCE[1]
  • James Ussher (1654), and many Young Earth Creationists - 23 October 4004 BCE[2]
  • Traditional Catholics - 5199 BCE.
  • Big Bang theory - 13.7 ± 0.2 billion years ago
  • Puranic Hinduism, 77,760 billion years ago (50 "years of Brahma")
  • Eternity - Postulate made by a number of groups including historical and contemporary scientists and certain New Ageidealizations that the universe has always existed, so there is no "beginning" of the universe (though the Earth and other celestial objects may have come into being closer to the current day). One such former scientific theory is the steady state theory. Buddhists and Hindus however believe in a Cyclic Universeconsisting of endless cycles of the Universe expanding, contracting and subsequently reforming.

Date of Creation according to the Mayan calendar

The Mayan calendar dates the creation of the Earth to August 11 or August 13, 3114 BCE (establishing that date as the zero day of the Long Count 13.0.0.0.0).


Two dominant dates for Biblical Creation using such models exist, about 5500 BCE and about 4000 BCE. These were calculated from the genealogies in two versions of the Bible, with most of the difference arising from two versions of Genesis. The older dates are based on the Septuagint. This translation was used by some Jews until about 100, then by Christians until 405, then by the Byzantines until 1453, and is still used by the various Orthodox churches. The later dates are based on the Hebrew text of the Torah (the precursor of the Masoretic text), which is still used by Jews. Jerome translated it into Latin as the first book of the Vulgate in 405, then it was used by Western Christians, within both Roman Catholicism and later Protestantism, beginning in 1517. The patriarchs from Adam to Terach, the father of Abraham, were often 100 years older when they begat their named son in the Septuagint than they were in the Hebrew or the Vulgate (Genesis 5, 11). The net difference between the two genealogies of Genesis was 1466 years (ignoring the "second year after the flood" ambiguity), which is virtually all of the 1500-year difference between 5500 BCE and 4000 BCE.

Traditional Catholics use the year 5199 BCE, which is taken from Catholic Martyrologies, and referred to as the true date of Creation in the "Mystical City of God," a 17th-century mystical work written by Ven. Mary of Agredaconcerning creation and the life of the Virgin Mary.

Ussher4004bc.jpg
The Ussher date for creation, 4004 BC, printed in the center margin of a KJV Bible 

Jewish scholars subscribing to similar interpretations (mainly as given in a pre-Talmudic work, the Seder Olam) give two dates for Creation according to the Talmud. They state that the first day of Creation week was either Elul 25, AM 1 or Adar 25, AM 1, almost twelve or six months, respectively, after the modern epoch of the Hebrew calendar. Most prefer Elul 25 whereas a few prefer Adar 25. When these dates were chosen, both were the first day of the week (Sunday), but in the modern calendar, developed later, they are not. The sixth day of Creation week, when Adam was created, was the first day of the following month, either Tishri or Nisan, the first month of either the civil or biblical year, respectively. In both cases, the epoch of the modern calendar was called the molad tohu or mean new moon of chaos, because it occurred before Creation. This epoch was Tishri 1, AM 1 or October 7, 3761 BCE, the latter being the corresponding tabular date (same daylight period) in the proleptic Julian calendar.[3]

One of the most well known estimates in modern times is that of ArchbishopJames Ussher (1581–1656), who proposed a date of Sunday, October 23, 4004 BCE, in the Julian calendar. He placed the beginning of this first day of Creation, and hence the exact time of Creation, at the previous nightfall.


The modern Jewish calendar is the result of centuries of mathematical, astronomical, and religious calculations. The months of the Hebrew calendar, which are based on lunar cycles, are referred to mostly by number in the Bible, but they were also given names almost identical to the names for the Babylonian months.

Key Takeaways: The Hebrew Calendar

  • The Jewish calendar is built on the Babylonian calendar, which the Jews learned to appreciate during the Babylonian Captivity.
  • The calendar is a lunisolar tool based on a Metonic combination of the cycles of both the Moon and the Sun.
  • It uses a 19-year cycle that includes seven leap months, rather than the Gregorian's 400-year cycle with many more leap days.
  • The ordinal number of the Hebrew year is the number of Metonic years since the traditional Jewish date of the creation of the world, 3,761 BCE.

In the Jewish calendar, each month begins when the Moon is just a thin crescent, called Rosh Chodesh, and a new moon in Hebraic tradition. The full moon falls in the middle of each month, and the dark of the Moon occurs near the end of the month. When the moon reappears in the sky as a crescent again, a new month begins.

Lunar months are not 30 or 31 days long, as the secular (or "civil") calendar, but rather about 29.5 days. The lunar year is 12 months long, or approximately 354 days, 11 days shorter than the solar year of 365 or so. Half days are impossible to factor into a calendar, so the Hebrew calendar is broken down into either 29- or 30-day monthly increments. 

Months on the Jewish Calendar
Hebrew NameBabylonian NameCivic CalendarLength in DaysSignificant Holidays
NisanNisanuMarch–April30Passover
IyarAyaruApril–May29Lag B'Omer
SivanSimanuMay–June30Shavuot
TammuzDiuzuJune–July29 
Menachem Av or AvAbuJuly–August30Tisha B'Av
ElulUlulu August–September29 
Tishri or TishreiTashrituSeptember–October30Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Chesvan or MarchesvanArakhasamnaOctober–November29 or 30 
KislevKislimNovember–December29 or 30Chanukah begins
TevetTebetruDecember–January29Chanukah ends
ShevatShabatuJanuary–February30Tu B'Shvat
AdarAdaru February–March30Purim
Adar Beit (Leap Month)29 
Information about the months in the Hebrew calendar.

The rabbis who first began working out the Jewish calendar in the fourth century CE recognized that limiting all months to either 29 or 30 days wasn't going to work. Two months were then given a bit more flexibility, Cheshvan and Kislev.

Babylonian Names 

The main purpose of any calendar is to know when to plant crops, the most vital piece of knowledge in the universe for a farmer. Too early, crops are nipped by frost; too late, crops don't ripen. Either way, the community suffers great losses.

The basics of the Jewish calendar were acquired during the sixth century BCE "Babylonian captivity" of the Hebrews. Dates and details of that time are debated, but in essence, the Neo-Babylonian ruler Nebuchadnezzar II attacked Jerusalem, conquered Judah, dismantled the Temple of Solomon, and deported perhaps one-quarter of the Jews to Babylon. 

The Jerusalemites in Babylon included the king Jeconiah, his court, and perhaps as many as 20,000 others, including the prophet Ezekiel. There they stayed for about 50 years until Babylon was conquered by the Persian Cyrus the Great in 539 BCE. Cyrus set the Hebrews free to go home but made Judah a province of the Persian empire. 

Setting the Jewish Year  

The Babylonian calendar was a lunisolar tool that had about 354 days divided into 12 lunar months, with seven-day weeks. Each month began when a crescent moon was first sighted in the sky—if the sky was cloudy, you had to wait until the next night. There were astronomical, mathematical, and religious reasons why the Babylonian calendar wouldn't do.

Today, more than 2,600 years later, we know: 

  1. The earth's solar year lasts 365.2422 days.
  2. Our lunar cycle lasts 29.53059 days.
  3. To get the right dates for planting you need both. 

That level of precision looks bizarrely detailed for somebody without a calculator, but it was readily apparent to farmers when it fell short. On top of the imprecision, there are religious complications.

For example, Rosh Hashanah must begin on a new (crescent) moon, on the first day of the month of Tishri; Passover begins on the 15th of Nisan. Whatever you call the month, Passover must fall in the spring and Rosh Hashanah must begin in the fall, a half year later. Passover also has to have a full moon on the night of the first seder, and there must be a full moon on the first night of Succoth on the 15th of Tishri. There are other requirements as well.

Transitioning to a Fixed Calendar 

After returning to Jerusalem, the Hebrews continued to use the Babylonian calendar for about a century, then they established a Calendar Council (Sod Hadibbur in Hebrew), consisting of the president plus two to six members of the Sanhedrin who were skilled in astronomy and mathematics. For the next 800 years, until the mid-fourth century CE, the Calendar Council set the religious and secular calendar up for the Jews of Jerusalem and the growing diaspora. Every month, they were tasked with setting the first day of each month by direct observation of the moon's phases and determining whether the extra "leap month" was required to maintain the balance between solar and lunar year.

Over those 800 years, different rules and adjustments were made. In the third century CE, new rules said that the first day of Rosh Hashanah cannot fall on a Sunday, Wednesday, or Friday so that Yom Kippur wouldn't fall on or near the Sabbath. By the early part of the fourth century, Rabbi Hillel II (d. 365 CE) put a fixed calendar in place so that people would know in advance when the festivals would occur and when they could more or less safely plant crops.  

Jewish Leap Years: A 19-Year Cycle 

To correct for the quarter day extra in a solar year, the Gregorian calendar has a 400-year cycle that adds an additional "leap day"—February 29—to every year that is divisible by four. Even in a 19-year cycle, you still need to correct for the imprecision and realign the calendar so that Passover falls in spring, which the Hebrew scholars do by adding an extra month to the calendar.

In the fifth century BCE, the Greek astronomer Meton (d. 460 BCE) pointed out that the number of days in 19 solar years is almost exactly the same number of days in 235 lunar cycles, a total of 6,939.6 days (235 x 29.53,059) / (19 x 365.2422) = 6,939.689 / 6,939.602 = 1.000013). His resulting Metonic cycle is what the Hebrews ended up using—as did the Babylonians, who knew of the Metonic cycle before Meton was born.

In other words, over a 19-year period, each Hebrew year varies in length from 353 to 385 days. A 13th month is added at the end of the year seven times in each 19-year cycle—in the third, sixth, eighth, 11th, 14th, 17th, and 19th years—which is called Adar Beit. It follows "Adar I" and lasts 29 days.

Dates of the Current 305th Cycle
Ordinal No.YearCivil Date of 1st TishriNo of days
15777Monday, 3 October 2016354
25778Thursday, 21 September 2017355
35779Monday, 10 September 2018385
45780Monday, 30 September 2019353
55781Saturday, 19 September 2020354
65782Tuesday, 7 September 2021385
75783Monday, 26 September 2022355
85784Saturday, 16 September 2023383
95785Thursday, 3 October 2024354
105786Tuesday, 23 September 2025355
115787Saturday, 12 September 2026383
125788Saturday, 2 October 2027354
135789Thursday, 21 September 2028355
145790Monday, 10 September 2029385
155791Saturday, 28 September 2030354
165792Thursday, 18 September 2031353
175793Monday, 6 September 2032385
185794Saturday, 24 September 2033354
195795Thursday, 14 September 2034385
The varying lengths of the Jewish calendar years.

Dates in the Jewish Calendar 

The Jewish year is numbered differently from the Gregorian, of course. For one thing, the Gregorian calendar year numbers start with the supposed birth year of the Christian leader Jesus Christ, and the Jewish church is much older than that.

Currently, the Jewish calendar is in the 305th 19-year cycle, which runs from 2016 through 2035. According to Jewish tradition, the world was created in the autumn of 3761 BCE (and not, as according to Christian tradition, in the autumn of 4004 BCE); the 305th cycle since creation began in September of 2017, or 5777 years after the creation. The precise date of the creation was first established in the 12th century, by the Jewish philosopher Maimonides(1135–1204): the Jewish year that began in October of 2016 and ended in September of 2017, was the year 5777.

Creation4004 BC
The Flood 2348 BC
Tower of Babel2246 BC
Abraham1996 BC
Joseph1745 BC
Moses and the Exodus1491 BC
David1085 BC
Monarchy Divides975 BC
Assyrian Destruction of Israel722 BC
Babylonian Captivity of Judah586 BC
Jesus4 BC

Timeline of Creation


Let’s look at some interesting patterns in the Bible that support this belief. God created the heavens and the earth in six days, and on the seventh day He rested (Exodus 20:11). Here are other instances in the Bible that involved six days and a distinct seventh day: Mount Sinai and the Ten Commandments (Exodus 24:16), the destruction of Jericho (Joshua 6:13-15), and the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1).

God also instructed the Hebrews to follow certain rules that reflected a similar kind of timeline. Slaves served for six years and were freed in the seventh year (Exodus 21:2). Fields were to be worked for six years and then rested in the seventh year (Exodus 23:10-11). People were to work six days and then rest on the seventh day (Leviticus 23:3).

The verses above state that God sees a thousand years as a day. Is this a way of stating that just as He created the world in six days, so man would rule six “days” or six thousand years?

Within this belief of 6,000 years is that there are three approximate ages: 2,000 years from Adam to Abraham (Age of Chaos/Desolation), 2,000 years from Abraham to Jesus (Age of the Torah), and 2,000 years from Jesus’ First Coming to His Second Coming (Age of the Messiah).

What year are we in now in relation to the possible 6,000 years of man? I don’t believe we can know for sure. It is likely that the 6,000-year clock commenced – not when Adam and Eve were created – but when they sinned and were kicked out of Eden. This would be the beginning of the 6,000 years of man’s self-rule. The Bible does not tell us when this happened. However, it does make one think we are close if this timeline is correct.


We are in the end of 6000 years since creation. We are about to enter into the Millennium Reign. Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

God created for 6 days and rested on the 7th day in which;

  1. 6 days of creation prophesies 6000 years since creation until the time Jesus Christ returns to set His kingdom on the Earth.
  2. The 7th day is the Sabbath which prophecy the 1000 years when Jesus Christ reign’s on earth; the Millennium Reign.

See Genesis 7 days creation prophecy (God 7000 years plan)

We are in the End of 6000 years since creation

From Adam to Abraham is estimated to be 2000 years

From Abraham to Jesus time is estimated to be another 2000 years

From Jesus time to His return will be another 2000 years

Therefore from creation of Adam to Jesus last return to the earth is 6000 years

After the 6000 years, Jesus Christ will return and rule for 1000 years (the Millennium Reign).

Therefore the earth and the heaven completes there allocated 7000 years in accordance with God’s plan and immediately this first earth and heaven passes away and a new earth and heaven are created and Jesus Christ reign continues forever.

Rev 21:1: And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea

When is the end of 6000 years since creation?

From Abraham to Jesus time is estimated to be 2000 years. But what time of Jesus do we use? It is the time of His birth or the time of His death?

The entire Bible gospel is about Jesus on the cross. See what the gospel is. On the cross humanity was saved, the dark kingdom was defeated and the church was born.


Year when 6000 years since creation come to an end (33 AD + 2000 years): year 2033

Therefore the end of 6000 years since creation will be between the year 2028 and 2033 and Jesus Christ returns for Armageddon battle and to set His 1000 years of reign.

Since the end of 6000 years since creation is between the year 2028 and 2033, the rapture and the great tribulation may begin between the year 2021 and 2026.

The difference between 2028 and 2033 is a 5 year difference. Reason I said there may be an error margin of +5 years in the calculated years in the fig tree generation. It depends on the day you take to be Jesus day on the cross but the day when Israel become a sovereign nation, the day when the fig tree shoot forth is fixed; May 14th 1948.


Creation – Year of Event – Biblical verse/s.

Creation of Adam – Year 0 from creation – 3960 BC – Genesis 5:1

Birth of Seth – Year 130 from creation – 3830 BC – Genesis 5:3

Birth of Enos – Year 235 from creation – 3725 BC – Genesis 5:6

Birth of Cainan – Year 325 from creation – 3635 BC – Genesis 5:9

Birth of Mahalaleel – Year 395 from creation – 3565 BC – Genesis 5:12

Birth of Jared – Year 460 from creation – 3500 BC – Genesis 5:15

Birth of Enoch – Year 622 from creation – 3338 BC – Genesis 5:18

Birth of Methuselah – Year 687 from creation – 3273 BC – Genesis 5:21

Birth of Lamech – Year 874 from creation – 3086 BC – Genesis 5: 25

Enoch “taken up” (raptured) by God – Year 978 from creation – 2973 BC – Genesis 5:21-24

Birth of Noah – Year 1056 from creation – 2904 BC – Genesis 5:28-29

Beginning of the flood – Year 1656 from creation – 2304 BC – Genesis 7:11

2) The duration of the flood (until the earth was dry) to Abram’s (Abraham) birth: 1 year after the flood started in 2304 BC, the occupants exited the arc in 2303BC. 1656 years (epoch 1) + 1 year (stay in arc) = 1657 years. Abram was born in 1951 BC. 2303 BC to 1951 BC = 352 years.

This epoch is recorded in the book of Genesis, chapters 11 and 12 and records the lineage from Noah’s son, Shem, to Abraham. Two years after the flood, Arphaxad was born to Shem. Seven generations later, Terah was born into this lineage. Terah. Abram’s father was actually 130 years old when Abram was born. “And the days of Terah were two-hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran” (Genesis 11:32). “Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran” (Genesis 12:4). Subtracting 75 from 205 equals 130 years for the age of Terah, at the birth of his son, Abram (name was later changed to Abraham).

This is somewhat unusual in the genealogy of the patriarch’s after the flood. After the flood, the usual age of reproduction for this lineage was around thirty plus, but Terah was the rule to the exception. He had his son, Abram, at the ripe old age of 130. In these olden times, the old men could still father children at an old age, as long as the wife was not beyond child birthing age. Terah lived to be 205 years old. He was the last of the patriarchs to live over 200 years.

Noah and family leave the ark – Year 1657 from creation – 2303 BC – Genesis 8:13-16

Birth of Arphaxed – Year 1659 from creation – 2301 BC – Genesis 11:10

Birth of Salah – Year 1694 from creation – 2266 BC – Genesis 11:12

Birth of Eber – Year 1724 from creation – 2236 BC – Genesis 11:14

Birth of Peleg – Year 1758 from creation – 2202 BC – Genesis 11:16

Birth of Reu – Year 1788 from creation – 2172 BC – Genesis 11:18

Birth of Serug – Year 1820 from creation – 2140 BC – Genesis 11:20

Birth of Nahor – Year 1850 from creation – 2110 BC – Genesis 11:22

Birth of Terah – Year 1879 from creation – 2081 BC – Genesis 11:24

Birth of Abraham – Year 2009 from creation – 1951 BC – Genesis 11:26, Genesis 11:32, Genesis 12:4

1656 years (epoch1) + 353 years (epoch 2) = 2009 years.

3) Abram’s birth to God’s land covenant/s with Abraham: 1951 BC to 1876 BC; 75years.

“This is the covenant between the Lord and Abram and his seed: “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get you out of your country, and from your kindred, and from your father’s house, unto a land that I will show you: and I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing: and I will bless them that bless you, and curse him that curses you: and in you shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:1-3). “And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there built he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him” (Genesis 12:7)

Abraham was born 352 years after the flood because Terah was 205 and died in Haran (Gen.11:32). Then Abraham, when his father was dead (Acts 7:4), moved to Canaan at the age of 75 (Gen.12:4). Thus, Abraham was born when Terah was 130, so Genesis 11:26 should be paraphrased, Terah lived seventy years, and begot the first of his three sons (not Abram).

Abraham was still 75 years old in Genesis13:14-16 when the covenant (regarding God giving the promise land to Abraham and his descendants forever) was confirmed. 430 years later (Gal.3:16-17), “the law” of rituals was given (Ex.24:12)…the same year as the exodus (Ex.14) which was 430 years after Genesis 12:4 (Ex.12:40-41).

Birth of Abraham – Year 2009 from creation – 1951 BC – Genesis 12:4

The Lord makes a covenant with Abraham – Year 2084 from creation – 1876 BC – Genesis 12: 7

Abraham confirms covenant – Year 2084 from creation – 1876 BC – Genesis 13:14-17

2009 years (epoch 1-2) + 75 years (epoch 3) = 2084 years.

4) Confirmed covenant to Exodus: 1877-1876 BC to 1447-1446 BC; 430 years

“Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt” (Exodus12:40-41). The 430 years must begin in Abraham’s lifetime, not Israel’s or Jacob’s, because the 400 years which ends also at the exodus specifically starts at Isaac’s affliction by Ishmael (Gen.15:13; 21:8-12; Acts 7:6) which, therefore began 30 years after Abraham entered the land.

Abraham lived to be 175 years old. Isaac was 180 years old when he died. Jacob lived to be 147 years old. Joseph wasn’t born until Jacob was 91 years old. Jacob was probably over 100 when he fathered Benjamin…Joseph’s younger brother from the same mother. Yes, Jacob was a feisty old man.

Exodus 12:40-41 says, “Now the sojourning (in Canaan and Egypt – 215 years each) of the children of Israel (which here includes Abraham, Isaac and Jacob), who dwelt in Egypt, was 430 years.” Josephus says the same thing: “They left Egypt … on the fifteenth day of the lunar month (Num. 33:3), four hundred and thirty years after our forefather Abraham came into Canaan” (Antiquities of the Jews, 2:15:2)

Both the Samaritan Pentateuch and Septuagint add “and in Canaan” in verse 40. Some translations say Israel dwelt in Egypt 430 years, which contradicts Galatians 3:17. The Septuagint, quoted by Paul in Galatians, says, “the sojourning of the sons of Israel who dwelt in the land of Egypt and Canaan was 430 years” because they dwelt in Canaan before they dwelt in Egypt.

Abraham confirms covenant – Year 2084 from creation – 1876 BC – Genesis 13:16-17

Birth of Ishmael – Year 2095 from creation – 1865 BC – Genesis 16:3-4

Birth of Isaac – Year 2109 from creation – 1851 BC – Genesis 21:5

Birth of Jacob – Year 2169 from creation – 1791 BC – Genesis 25:26

Birth of Joseph – Year 2260 from creation – 1701 BC – Genesis 30:22-24

Joseph stands before Pharaoh – Year 2290 from creation – 1731 BC – Genesis 41:46

Jacob enters Egypt – Year 2299 from creation – 1661 BC – Genesis 47:28

Death of Jacob – Year 2316 from creation – 1644 BC – Genesis 49:33

Death of Joseph – Year 2370 from creation – 1590 BC – Genesis 50:22-26

Birth of Moses – Year 2434 from creation – 1526 BC – Exodus 2:1-10; Exodus 7:7

Exodus from Egypt – Year 2514 from creation – 1446 BC – Exodus 12, 13

2084 years (epochs 1-3) + 430 years (epoch 4) = 2514 years

5) Exodus to Israel’s temple foundation: 1447-1446 BC to 967-966 BC; 480 years.

“And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month; that he began to build the house of the Lord” (1Kings 6:1).

Moses, the man of God, led the children of Israel out of Egypt in 1446 BC. After 40 years of wandering in the desert, Moses died (at 120 years of age) after viewing the Promised Land from a distance. Joshua replaced Moses as the leader of the newly formed nation of Israel and entered the Promised Land in 1406 BC. He died at 110 years of age.

After Joshua’s death, God raised up ‘Judges’ to lead and deliver his people from slavery; brought on by the hostile nations surrounding them. The total time of the Judges was about 326 years, from 1376 BC to 1050 BC. Israel’s first king was Saul, who ruled for 40 years until about 1010 BC.

David was the next king and he also ruled for 40 years until about 970 BC. He died at 70 years of age. You can see how the life span has significantly decreased from the time of the Antediluvian patriarchs…from Adam’s 930 years to David’s 70 years on this earth. David was a descendant from the lineage of Jacob’s son, Judah. David’s son, Solomon, became king of Israel after his father’s death. He began the temple building project that his father had desired in the fourth year of his reign in 966 BC.

The exodus from Egypt occurred in 1446 BC,480 years later (966 BC), the construction of the first temple of the Jewish nation began. 1 Kings 6:1.

Exodus from Egypt – Year 2514 from creation – 1446 BC – Exodus 12, 13

Crossing of Jordan River – Year 2554 from creation – 1406 BC – Joshua 4:19

Dividing of the Land of Canaan – Year 2559 from creation – 1401 BC – Joshua13

Judges begin leading Israel – Year 2584 from creation – 1376 BC – Joshua 2:16

Saul (first king of Israel) begins reign – Year 2910 from creation – 1050 BC – 1 Samuel 10; Acts 13:21

David begins reign – Year 2950 from creation – 1010 BC – 2 Samuel 5:4

King David’s death – Year 2950 from creation – 1010 BC – 2 Samuel 5:5

Solomon begins reign – Year 2990 from creation – 970 BC – 1 Kings 2:11-12

Solomon begins construction of temple – Year 2994 from creation – 966 BC – 1 Kings 6:1

2514 years (epochs 1-4) + 480 years (epoch 5) = 2994 years.

6) From temple foundation (in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign) to the death of Solomon: 967-966 BC to 931-930 BC; 36 years.

Solomon ruled for 40 total years and then died. Saul, David and Solomon all reigned for 40 years (Acts 13:21; 1 Chr.29:27; 2 Chr. 9:30).

Solomon begins construction to build a temple – Year 2994 from creation – 966 BC – 1 Kings 6:1

Death of Solomon and Rehoboam begins reign – Year 3030 from creation – 930 BC – 1 Kings11:42

2994 years (epochs 1-5) + 36 years (epoch 6) = 3030 years.

7) The death of Solomon to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple: 931-930 BC to 586-585 BC; 345 years.

By adding all the reigns of each of the kings of Judah (after Solomon’s death) mentioned in Kings and Chronicles we have a total of 345 years. The year in which a king came to the throne was known as his accession year. His first regnal year, i.e. the first full year of the king’s reign, began on the first day of the new year following his accession.

The period between his actual accession and next New Year’s Day was known as the beginning of the reign. Israel, in common with other near eastern nations, commenced the new year on the first of Nisan (our March – April), its first king, Jeroboam, having come from Egypt (1Kings 12:2-3) where the new year began in the spring. Judah, however, commenced the new year on the first of Tishri (our September-October). Where two dates overlap, a coregency is indicated. Regnal years are used.

Read Edwin R. Thiele’s excellent book…”The Mysterious Numbers of the Hebrew Kings” regarding the chronology of the kings of Judah and Israel. It is deemed the definitive work and reckoning of the calendar years on this topic. The following kings of Judah list is from his calculations:

Rehoboam – 930-913 BC (1 Kin.14:21-31; 2 Chr. 9:31)

Abijam (Abijah) – 913-910 BC (1 Kin.15:1-6; 2 Chr.13:1-22)

Asa – 910-869 BC (1 Kin.15:9-24; 2 Chr.14-16)

Jehoshaphat – 872-848 BC, includes co-regency time (1 Kin.22:41-50; 2 Chr.17-20)

Jehoram (Joram) – 853-841 BC (2 Kin.8:16-24. 2 Chr.21:1-2; he reigned concurrently with his father four years (2 Kin. 8:16; 2 Chr. 21:1-5; 2 Kin. 9:29; 8:25)

Ahaziah – 841 BC (2 Kin.8:25-9:29; 2 Chr.22:1-2)

Queen Athaliah – 841-835 BC (2 Kin.11:1-20; 2 Chr.22-23)

Joash – 835-796 BC (2 Kin.11-12; 2 Chr.24:1-27)

Amaziah – 796-767 BC (2 Kin.14:1-20; 2 Chr.25:1-28)

Azariah (Uzziah) – 792-740 BC (includes overlap reign time with Amaziah; 2 Kin.15:1-7; 2 Chr. 26:1-23)

Jotham – 750-732 BC (Includes coregency time with Uzziah; 2 Kin.15:32-38; 2 Chr.27:1-9)

Ahaz – 735-715 BC (includes overlap reign time with Jotham); 2 Kin.16:1-20; 2 Chr.28:1-27

Hezekiah – 715-686 BC (2 Kin.18-20; 2 Chr.29-32; Isa.36-39)

Manasseh – 696-642 BC (includes coregency time with Hezekiah, 2 Kin.21:1-18. 2 Chr.33:1-20)

Amon – 642-640 BC (2 Kin.21:19-26; 2 Chr. 33:21-25)

Josiah – 640-609 BC (2 Kin.22, 23:1-30; 2 Chr.34-35)

Jehoahaz (Shallum) – 609 BC (2 Kin.23:31-34; 2 Chr.36:1-4; Jer.22:1-12)

Jehoiakim (Eliakim) – 609-598 BC (2 Kin. 23:34-37; 2 Chr36:4-8; Jer.22:13-23; 26:36)

Jehoiachin (Coniah) – 598-597 BC (2 Kin. 24:8-17; 2 Chr.36:9-10; Jer.22:24-30, 52:31-34)

Zedekiah (Mattaniah) 597-586 BC (2 Kin.24:17-20, 25:1-7; 2 Chr.36:11-21; Jer.39:1-10, 52:1-11)

The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple occurred in 586 BC by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Zedekiah was the last king of Judah. He reigned for 11 years. The people of Judah were killed or removed to Babylon.

3030 years (epochs 1- 6) + 345 years (epoch 7) = 3375 years.

8) The destruction of the first temple to the finished construction of the second temple: 586-585 BC to 516-515 BC; 70 years.

The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple occurred in 586 BC. The construction of the second temple was finished in 516 BC. Both dates are well established in secular histories as 586-585 and516-515 BC. There were 70 years from the destruction of the first temple(Jer.52:12-13) in the “nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar” (52:12) and “eleventh year of Zedekiah’s reign” (2 Kings 25:2) to the building of the second temple “in the sixth year of the reign of Darius” (Ezra 6:15).

Destruction of the first temple – Year 3375 from creation – 586 BC – Jeremiah 52:12-13, 25:1, Daniel 2:1

The second Temple is rebuilt in sixth year of King Darius – Year 3445 from creation – 516 BC – 2 Chronicles 36:21, 23

3375 years (epochs 1-7) + 70 years (epoch 8) = 3445 years.

9) From the sixth year of King Darius the Mede (when the second temple was finished) to the Persian king Artaxerxes’ decree to rebuild Jerusalem: 516 BC to 444 BC- 72 years.

Cyrus issued a decree in 538 BC regarding the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-2). This wasn’t the decree we are looking for because Dan.9:25 speaks of the rebuilding of the city, Jerusalem, including the streets and walls, not merely the temple. The people resisted this decree and stopped work on the temple until the second year of Darius (See Ezra 4:4-5, 24.)

Darius issued a decree in 520 BC, and ordered the construction of the temple to continue (Ezra 6:11-12). Again, this decree was for the temple, not the city. The temple was completed by the sixth year of Darius (Ezra 6:14-15) so this could not be the decree spoken of by Daniel. Counting the prophecy from these dates would place us well before Christ’s life.

When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, the work on the walls was progressing slowly or not at all. Everybody was already at work building the city and the Temple, but the walls and gates were being neglected. (Neh. 2:11) Under the authority of the decree, they had received thirteen years earlier from Ezra. Nehemiah finished his work in 52 days(Neh.6:15). The city and walls had been rebuilt much earlier, and Nehemiah merely repaired some recent damage to the gates and walls.

Actually, once you determine the date of the decree of Artaxerxes (in his seventh year), then it is easy to determine the date of Nehemiah’s commission since it was in the 20th year of Artaxerxes (Neh.2:1).

Nehemiah 1:1-2 shows that Nehemiah’s brother came from Susa in December (Chislev) to report the sad situation in Jerusalem. Four months later (Nisan), in the spring of 444 BC (Artaxerxes’ 20th year), the king gave permission for Nehemiah to go to Jerusalem (Neh.2:1-8).

Second temple is rebuilt in sixth year of King Darius – Year 3445 from creation – 516 BC – Ezra 6:15

King Artaxerxes’ decree to rebuild Jerusalem – Year 3517 from creation – 444 BC – Nehemiah 2:1.

3445 years (epochs 1-8) + 72 years (epoch 9) = 3517 years.

10) Artaxerxes’ decree to rebuild Jerusalem to “Palm Sunday” before Jesus’ crucifixion, 444 BC to AD 33…476 years (Daniel 9:24-26).

The decree given by Artaxerxes to Nehemiah in 444 BC (Neh. 2) was the starting point of Daniel’s prophecy (Daniel 9:25-26). Jesus the Messiah was “cut off” from being King of the Jews, in AD 33Nisan 10, on a Sunday (now known as Palm Sunday) fulfilling the prophecy of Daniel 9:25-26. Daniel 9:24 and Daniel 9:27 have yet to be fulfilled.

Four days later (Thursday) AD 33 Nisan 14,the Lord Jesus was crucified on a Feast of Passover. Three days later (Sunday) AD 33 Nisan 17, Jesus was resurrected back to life on a Feast of Firstfruits fulfilling His prophecy of Matthew 12:39-40.

The first part of Daniel’s prophecy(Daniel 9: 25-26) consists of 483 total years of 360 days per year…not our current solar calendar of 365.2422 days per year. The 360 day per year ‘prophetic’ calendar was the one that Daniel was referring to when he gave his prophecy. The only other time/s in the Old Testament that this 360-day calendar was referred to was during the flood of Noah, Genesis 7 and 8, and possibly Genesis 29:27-30.

Daniel 9:24-26 and Genesis 29: 27-30 are the only two times in the Bible that the word “weeks” is used as a term for 7 years (360 days per year). However, when reckoning cumulative years for Bible chronology, we use the solar calendar; so Epoch 10 is for 476 years.

King Artaxerxes decrees rebuilding Jerusalem -Year 3517 from creation – 444 BC – Nehemiah 2:1

Birth of Jesus Christ – Year 3956 from creation – 5 BC – Mathew 2; Luke 2:1-20

Christ’s ministry begins – Year 3990 from Creation – AD 30 – Luke 3:21-38

Christ’s crucifixion – Year 3993 from Creation – AD 33 – Luke 23:32-49

Joseph, Jesus’ stepfather, was a descendant of King David and his son Solomon. Mary, Jesus’ mother, was a descendant of King David and his son Nathan.

3517 years (epochs 1- 9) + 476 years = 3993 years.

11) Jesus’ death to present (AD 2022). 1989 years. AD 33 to AD 2022.

This epoch includes the calling of Paul as an apostle of Jesus in AD 38, the destruction of Jerusalem and dispersion of Israel in AD 70, Israel becoming a nation again in AD 1948, and Jerusalem regained by Israel in AD 1967.

3993 years (Epochs 1-10) + 2022 years = 5982 years.


Event or birth – Year from Creation – Year of Event – Biblical verse/s.


  • Creation of Adam – Year 0 from creation – 3960 BC – Genesis 5:1-2

  • Birth of Seth – Year 130 from creation – 3830 BC – Genesis 5:3

  • Birth of Enos – Year 235 from creation – 3725 BC – Genesis 5:6

  • Birth of Cainan – Year 325 from creation – 3635 BC – Genesis 5:9

  • Birth of Mahalaleel – Year 395 from creation – 3565 BC – Genesis 5:12

  • Birth of Jared – Year 460 from creation – 3500 BC – Genesis 5:15

  • Birth of Enoch – Year 622 from creation – 3338 BC – Genesis 5:18

  • Birth of Methuselah – Year 687 from creation – 3273 BC – Genesis 5:21

  • Birth of Lamech – Year 874 from creation – 3086 BC – Genesis 5: 25

  • Enoch “taken up” (raptured) by God – Year 978 from creation – 2973 BC – Genesis 5:21-24 – (Note: Adam died at the age of 930 and didn’t live long enough to witness the rapture of Enoch but the other antediluvian patriarchs did -from Seth to Lamech). For more information, go to Three Raptures.

Note: 22 years after Enoch was raptured and 56 years before Noah was born, mankind had reached the 1000 year (1st day of the Lord) mark of their existence.


Birth of Noah – Year 1056 from creation – 2904 BC – Genesis 5:28-29

Beginning of the flood – Year 1656 from creation – 2304 BC – Genesis 7:11


Epoch 2: The duration of the flood (until the earth was dry) to Abram’s (Abraham) birth = 352 years


1 year after the flood started in 2304 BC, the occupants exited the ark in 2303 BC. 1656 years (epoch 1) + 1 year (stay in ark) = 1657 years. Abram was born in 1951 BC. 2303 BC to 1951 BC = 352 years.


This epoch is recorded in the book of Genesis, chapters 11 and 12, and records the lineage from Noah’s son, Shem, to Abraham. Two years after the flood, Arphaxad was born to Shem. Seven generations later, Terah was born into this lineage. Terah. Abraham’s father, was actually 130 years old when Abraham was born. “And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran” (Genesis 11:32).


“Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran” (Genesis 12:4). Subtracting 75 from 205 equals 130 years for the age of Terah at the birth of his son Abram (the name was later changed to Abraham by God Himself). This is sort of unusual in the genealogy of the patriarchs after the flood. After the flood, the usual age of reproduction for this lineage was around 30 plus; but Terah was the rule to the exception. He had his son, Abram, at the ripe old age of 130. In these olden times, the old men could still father children at an old age, as long as the wife was not beyond child birthing age. Terah lived to be 205 years old. He was the last of the patriarchs to live over 200 years.


Noah and family (and animals) exit the ark – Year 1657 from creation – 2303 BC – Genesis 8:13-16

  • Birth of Arphaxed – Year 1659 from creation – 2301 BC – Genesis 11:10

  • Birth of Salah – Year 1694 from creation – 2266 BC – Genesis 11:12

  • Birth of Eber – Year 1724 from creation – 2236 BC – Genesis 11:14

  • Birth of Peleg – Year 1758 from creation – 2202 BC – Genesis 11:16

  • Birth of Reu – Year 1788 from creation – 2172 BC – Genesis 11:18

  • Birth of Serug – Year 1820 from creation – 2140 BC – Genesis 11:20

  • Birth of Nahor – Year 1850 from creation – 2110 BC – Genesis 11:22

  • Birth of Terah – Year 1879 from creation – 2081 BC – Genesis 11:24

  • Birth of Abram (Abraham) – Year 2009 from creation – 1951 BC – Genesis 11:26, Genesis 11:32, Genesis 12:4

1656 years (epoch1) + 353 years (epoch 2) = 2009 years.


Epoch 3: Abram’s birth to God’s covenant with Abraham: 1952-1951 BC to 1877-1876 BC = 75 years


This is the covenant between the Lord and Abram and his seed: “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get you out of your country, and from your kindred, and from your father’s house, unto a land that I will show you: and I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing: and I will bless them that bless you, and curse him that curses you: and in you shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:1-3). “And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto your seed will I give this land: and there built he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him.” Genesis 12:7


Abram was born 352 years after the flood because Terah was 205 and died in Haran (Gen.11:32). Then Abram, “when his father was dead” (Acts 7:4), moved to Canaan at the age of 75 (Gen.12:4). Thus, Abram was born when Terah was 130, so Genesis 11:26 should be paraphrased, Terah lived seventy years and begot the first of his three sons (not Abram).


Abram was still 75 years old in Genesis 13:14-16 when the covenant (regarding God giving the promised land to Abram and his descendants forever) was given. 430 years later in 1446 BC, “the law” of rituals was given to Moses according to Galatians 3:16-17.


Birth of Abram – Year 2009 from creation (Note: 9 years past the 2000 year mark of civilization or 2nd day of the Lord) – 1951 BC – Genesis 12:4


Abram departs for Canaan (settles in Beersheba near Bethel). The Lord makes a covenant with Abram – Year 2084 from creation – 1876 BC – Genesis 12:7

2009 years (epoch 1-2) + 75 years (epoch 3) = 2084 years


Epoch 4: Abram’s covenant to Exodus: 1877-1876 BC to 1447-1446 BC = 430 years


God’s covenant with Abram – Year 2084 from creation – 1876 BC – Genesis 13:16-17

Birth of Ishmael (Abram was 86 years old) – Year 2095 from creation – 1865 BC – Genesis 16:3-4; Genesis 16:16


God confirms a covenant with Abram – Year 2108 from creation – 1852 BC – Genesis 15:9-21; Genesis 17 - God promised once again the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession to Abram and his seed (to come). Abram’s part of the covenant was to circumcise all male children of his household eight days after their birth. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai’s name to Sarah. God’s part of this confirmation of the covenant was the birth of Isaac the very next year. For more information, see: Confirming the Covenant


  • Birth of Isaac – (Abram was 100 years old. Isaac was the child of promise/covenant) – Year 2109 from creation –1851 BC – Genesis 21:5

  • Death of Sarah (age 127) – Year 2146 from creation – 1814 BC – Genesis 25:26

  • Birth of Jacob and Esau – Year 2169 from creation – 1791 BC – Genesis 25:26

  • Death of Abraham (175 years old) - Year 2154 from creation – 1776 BC - Genesis 25:7

  • Jacob relocates to Haran in 1715 BC, marries Leah and Rachel in 1708 BC, and returns to Canaan in 1695 BC.

  • Birth of Joseph – Year 2260 from creation – 1700 BC – Genesis 30:22-24 - Joseph is sold as a slave in 1684 BC and sentenced to prison in 1673 BC.

  • Death of Isaac (180 years old) – Year 2291 from creation – 1671 BC – Genesis 35:27-29

Joseph stands before Pharaoh and interprets his dream – Year 2291 from creation – 1671 BC – Genesis 41:46 - Note: God sends 7 years of bumper crops and then 7 years of famine to Egypt and surrounding area from 1671-1657 BC. Joseph sends 10 sons to buy food in Egypt in 1663 BC.

Jacob and his family (70 people) move to Egypt and settle in Goshen – Year 2299 from creation – 1661 BC – Genesis 47:28


This is the point where many chronologists differ in regards to the length of time that the children of Israel spent in the land of Egypt. Many believe the duration was for 430 years, others believe it was for 400 years; while some, such as myself, believe it was for only 215 years. This is due to the wording difference of the many translations of 3 Bible verses.


1. Genesis 15:13-14: And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.


2. Exodus 12:40-41: Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt.


3. Acts7:6-7: And God spoke likewise on this, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.


The 430 years must begin in Abraham’s lifetime, not Israel’s or Jacob’s because the 400 years which ends also at the exodus specifically starts at Isaac’s affliction by Ishmael (Gen.15:13; 21:8-12; Acts 7:6) which therefore began 30 years after Abraham entered the land.


Exodus 12:40-41 says, “Now the sojourning (traveling strangers) of the children of Israel, who (also) dwelt in Egypt, was 430 years (215 years in Canaan and 215 years in Egypt). And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt.” The Exodus, which took place on the 14th day of Nisan (on the Feast of Passover) in 1446 BC, occurred on the exact anniversary of the giving of the Abrahamic covenant, 430 years earlier in 1876 BC.


Josephus says the same thing: “They left Egypt on the fifteenth day of the lunar month (Num. 33:3), four hundred and thirty years after our forefather Abraham came into Canaan” (Antiquities of the Jews, 2:15:2)


Both the Samaritan Pentateuch and Septuagint add “and in Canaan” in verse 40. Some translations say Israel dwelt in Egypt for 430 years which contradicts Galatians 3:17. The Septuagint, quoted by Paul in Galatians, says “the sojourning of the sons of Israel who dwelt in the land of Egypt and Canaan was 430 years” because they dwelt in Canaan before they dwelt in Egypt.


If you are of the opinion that the children of Israel dwelt in Egypt for 400 or 430 years, then the theory regarding 6000 years for mankind (before Jesus’ second coming) is no longer valid as it exceeds the mark by several centuries. The 215-year duration in Egypt fits perfectly within the time frame of the following epoch (5) according to 1 Kings 6:1.


  • Death of Jacob (147 years old) – Year 2316 from creation – 1644 BC – Genesis 49:33

  • Death of Joseph (110 years old) – Year 2370 from creation – 1590 BC – Genesis 50:22,26

  • Birth of Moses – Year 2434 from creation – 1526 BC – Exodus 7:7 - Moses flees to Midian in 1486 BC and is called by God to return to Egypt in 1446 BC.

  • Exodus from Egypt (led by Moses and Aaron) – Year 2514 from creation – 1446 BC – Exodus 12, 13

2084 years (epochs 1-3) + 430 years (epoch 4) = 2514 years


Epoch 5: Exodus to Israel’s temple foundation: 1447-1446 BC to 967-966 BC = 480 years


Moses, the man of God, led the children of Israel out of Egypt in about 1446 BC. After 40 years of wandering in the desert, Moses died (at 120 years of age) after viewing the Promised Land from a distance. Deuteronomy 34:1-8. “And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, in all the signs and the wonders, which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land, and in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses showed in the sight of all Israel” (Deuteronomy 34:10-12). This ending of Deuteronomy was most likely written by Joshua.


Joshua replaced Moses as the leader of the newly formed nation of Israel and entered the Promised Land in 1406 BC. After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites crossed over the Jordan River and ate the Passover Supper on the 14th day of Nisan. On the 17th day of Nisan (Feast of Firstfruits), with no more manna to eat, the people began to eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year – the first fruits of the Promised Land. Joshua died at 110 years of age.


After Joshua’s death, God raised up judges to lead and deliver his people from slavery. The total time of the judges was about 326 years, from 1376 BC to 1050 BC. Israel’s first king was Saul, who ruled for 40 years, from 1050 until 1010 BC.


David was the next king and he also ruled for 40 years; until about 970 BC. He died at 70 years of age. David was a descendant from the lineage of Jacob’s son, Judas. David’s son, Solomon, became king of Israel after his father’s death. He began the temple building project that his father had desired in the fourth year of his reign in 966 BC.


“And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month; that he began to build the house of the Lord” (1 Kings 6:1).


The exodus from Egypt occurred in 1446 BC, 480 years later (966 BC), the construction of the first temple of the Jewish nation began according to 1 Kings 6:1.


Exodus from Egypt – Year 2514 from creation – 1446 BC – Exodus 12,13 – God confirms the covenant with the children of Israel at Mt. Sinai in 1446 BC and Moses wrote Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus sometime between 1446 BC and 1406 BC.


The Tabernacle of meetings construction is completed – Year 2516 from creation – 1444 BC – Exodus 25-27 – God’s presence dwelt in the Most Holy Place over the Ark of the covenant in the Tabernacle. “Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:34-35).


Also, in the same year, 1444 BC, the 12 Hebrew spies surveyed the land of Canaan. Only Caleb and Joshua gave a good report and were the only two of the older generation to enter the Promised Land. – Numbers 13:30, 14:6, 14:30


Moses completes the Books of Numbers and Deuteronomy – Year 2553 from creation – 1407 BC – Numbers 27-36


Crossing of Jordan River and entering of the Promised land of Canaan – Year 2554 from creation – 1406 BC – Joshua 4:9


The dividing of the Land of Canaan – Year 2559 from creation – 1401 BC – Joshua 13


Joshua dies and Judges begin leading Israel – Year 2584 from creation – 1376 BC – Judges 2:7-9; Judges 2:16


Saul (the first king of Israel) begins reign – Year 2910 from creation – 1050 BC – 1 Samuel 10, Acts 13:21


Death of Saul and David begins reign – Year 2950 from creation – 1010 BC – 2 Samuel 5:4


King David’s death – Year 2990 from creation – 970 BC – 2 Samuel 5:5


Solomon begins reign – Year 2990 from creation – 970 BC – 1 Kings 6:1


Solomon begins construction of the temple in the 4th year of his reign – Year 2994 from creation (note: only 6 years shy of 3000 years of creation according to my reckoning – 3rd day of the Lord) – 966 BC – 1 Kings 11:42


2514 years (epochs 1-4) + 480 years (epoch 5) = 2994 years


Epoch 6: From temple foundation (in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign) to the death of Solomon: 967-966 BC to 931-930 BC = 36 years


Solomon begins construction to build the temple – Year 2994 from creation – 966 BC – 1 Kings 11:42.

The Temple of God in Jerusalem is finished and dedicated after 7 years of construction on the 15th day of Tishri, on the Feast of Tabernacles in the year 959 BC. – 2 Chronicles 2-3 – “Then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14).

Death of Solomon and Rehoboam begins reign – Year 3030 from creation – 930 BC – 1 Kings 14:21.

Solomon ruled for 40 total years and then died. Saul, David, and Solomon all reigned for 40 years (Acts 13:21; 1 Chr. 29:27; 2 Chr. 9:30).


2994 years (epochs 1-5) + 36 years (epoch 6) = 3030 years.


Epoch 7: The death of Solomon to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple: 931-930 BC to 586-585 BC = 345 years


By adding all the reigns of each of the kings of Judah (after Solomon’s death) mentioned in Kings and Chronicles we have a total of 345 years. The year in which a king came to the throne was known as his accession year. His first regnal year, i.e. the first full year of the king’s reign began on the first day of the new year following his accession.


The period between his actual accession and the next New Year’s Day was known as the beginning of the reign. Israel, in common with other near eastern nations, commenced the new year on the first of Nisan (our March – April), it's first king, Jeroboam, having come from Egypt (1 Kings 12:2-3) where the new year began in the spring. Judah, however, commenced the new year on the first of Tishri (our September-October). Where two dates overlap, a coregency is indicated. Regnal years are used.

[Note: Read Edwin R. Thiele’s excellent book, The Mysterious Numbers of the Hebrew Kings, regarding the chronology of the kings of Judah and Israel.] It is deemed the definitive work and reckoning of the calendar years on this topic. The following kings of Judah list are from his calculations. I have added notes regarding some of the prophets of God and their writings.


  • Rehoboam – 930-913 BC - 1 Kings 14:21-31; 2 Chr. 9:31

  • Abijam (Abijah) – 913-910 BC - 1 Kings 15:1-6; 2 Chr.13:1-22

  • Asa – 910-869 BC - 1 Kings 15:9-24; 2 Chr.14-16

  • Jehoshaphat – 872-848 BC (includes co-regency time) - 1 Kings 22:41-50; 2 Chr.17-20

  • Jehoram (Joram) – 853-841 BC - 2 Kings 8:16-24; 2 Chr.21:1-2; he reigned concurrently with his father four years - 2 Kings 8:16; 2 Chr. 21:1-5; 2 Kings 9:29; 8:25

The prophet Elijah was “taken up” (raptured) in approximately 853-852 BC. See: Three Raptures, Vol. II: Elijah: By Pete Garcia and Randy Nettles - Rapture Ready


  • Ahaziah – 841 BC - 2 Kings 8:25-9:29; 2 Chr.22:1-2

  • Queen Athaliah – 841-835 BC - 2 Kings 11:1-20; 2 Chr.22-23

  • Joash – 835-796 BC - 2 Kings 11-12; 2 Chr.24:1-27

  • Amaziah – 796-767 BC - 2 Kings 14:1-20; 2 Chr.25:1-28

  • Azariah (Uzziah) – 792-740 BC (includes overlap reign time with Amaziah - 2 Kin.15:1-7; 2 Chr. 26:1-23 - Note: Amos writes his prophecy in approximately 754 BC. Rome is founded in 753 BC.

  • Jotham – 750-732 BC (Includes coregency time with Uzziah - 2 Kings 15:32-38; 2 Chr.27:1-9 – Note: Isaiah is commissioned as a prophet in 740 BC.

  • Ahaz – 735-715 BC (includes overlap reign time with Jotham) - 2 Kin.16:1-20; 2 Chr.28:1-27 – Note: Jonah goes to Nineveh in 725 BC. The same year Assyria invades the northern nation of Israel and begins a three-year siege ending with the destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel and the relocation of the remaining population in 722 BC. For more information on the kings of Judah (from Rehoboam to Ahaz) see my article The Fullness of Sin: Part 4

  • Hezekiah – 715-686 BC - 2 Kin.18-20; 2 Chr.29-32; Isa.36-39 – Note: The prophet Hosea writes his book in approximately 715-710 BC. Micah writes his prophecy in 700 BC. The prophet Isaiah writes his book in approximately 700–685 BC.

  • Manasseh – 696-642 BC (includes coregency time with Hezekiah - 2 Kings 21:1-18; 2 Chr.33:1-20

  • Amon – 642-640 BC - 2 Kings 21:19-26; 2 Chr.33:21-25

  • Josiah – 640-609 BC - 2 Kings 22, 23:1-30; 2 Chr.34-35 – Note: Zephaniah writes his book in approximately 635 BC. Jeremiah is called by God to be a prophet in 626 BC and writes his book in approximately 626-580 BC. Nahum writes his prophecy in 615 BC.

  • Jehoahaz (Shallum) – 609 BC - 2 Kings 23:31-34; 2 Chr.36:1-4; Jer.22:1-12

  • Jehoiakim (Eliakim) – 609-598 BC - 2 Kings 23:34-37; 2 Chr36:4-8. Jer. 22:13-23, 26:36 – Note: Habakkuk writes his prophecy in 605 BC and Jeremiah prophesies a 70 year captivity the same year. The first group of Jews are deported to Babylon in this year.

  • Jehoiachin (Coniah) – 598-597 BC - 2 Kings 24:8-17; 2 Chr.36:9-10; Jer.22:24-30, 52:31-34 – Note: The second wave of Jews are deported to Babylon in 597 BC.

  • Zedekiah (Mattaniah) 597-586 BC - 2 Kings 24:17-20, 25:1-7; 2 Chr.36:11-21; Jer.39:1-10, 52:1-11 – Ezekiel receives a glorious vision of God and is commissioned to be a prophet in 593 BC. For more information on the kings of Judah (from Hezekiah to Zedekiah) see my article The Fullness of Sin: Part 5.

The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple occurred on the 9th day of Av in 586 BC by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and his army. Many tragic events took place on the 9th day of Av in the history of the Jewish people. For more information go to The Dog Days of Summer.


Zedekiah was the last king of Judah. He reigned for 11 years. The people of the southern kingdom of Judah were killed or removed to Babylon. Only the very poor remained behind in Judah.


3030 years (epochs 1- 6) + 345 years (epoch 7) = 3375 years


Epoch 8: The destruction of the first temple to the finished construction of the second temple: 586-585 BC to 516-515 BC = 70 years


The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple occurred in 586 BC. The third group of Jews was deported to Babylon in 586 BC. Jeremiah writes Lamentations in 580 BC. Ezekiel receives a vision of a glorious future temple in 573 BC (Ezekiel 40). Daniel receives a vision of four kingdoms/beasts (Daniel 7) in 553 BC. The construction of the second temple was finished in 516 BC. Both dates are well established in secular histories as 586-585 and 516-515 BC. There were 70 years from the destruction of the first temple (Jer. 52:12-13) in the “nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar” (Jer. 52:12) and “eleventh year of Zedekiah’s reign” (2 Kings 25:2); to the building of the second temple “in the sixth year of the reign of Darius” (Ezra 6:15).


Destruction of the first temple – Year 3375 from creation – 586 BC – Jeremiah 52:12-13, 25:1, Daniel 2:1


Babylon falls to the Medes and Persians (led by Cyrus II/the Great) – Year 3422 from creation – 539 BC – Daniel 5 – Note: Thus the 1st Babylonian kingdom/beast (of Daniel’s vision) falls before the might of the 2nd Medo-Persian Kingdom/beast.


Sheshbazzar, the prince of Israel, leads the Jewish exiles from Babylon back to Jerusalem – Year 3424 from creation – 537 BC – Ezra 1


Reconstruction of Jewish Temple begins – Year 3425 from creation – 536 BC – Ezra 2 – Note: After several years they stopped construction due to opposition from surrounding nations. The work on the temple remained dormant for well over a decade until God called the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to urge the people to complete the project. Haggai wrote his book in 520 BC…the same year Zechariah began to preach. The work on the Temple resumed under Darius, the king of Persia in 520 BC. The foundation of the Second Temple was laid on Kislev 24, 520 BC.


The second Temple is rebuilt in the 6thyear of King Darius – Year 3445 from creation – 516 BC – 2 Chronicles 36:21, 23


3375 years (epochs 1-7) + 70 years (epoch 8) = 3445 years


Epoch 9: From the sixth year of King Darius the Mede (when the second temple was finished) to the Persian king Artaxerxes’ decree to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem: 516 BC to 444 BC = 72 years


There were three different decrees issued by the Medes/Persian kings regarding rebuilding Jerusalem and/or the Tempe. Cyrus issued a decree in 538 BC regarding the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-2). This wasn’t the decree we’re looking for because Dan. 9:25 speaks of the rebuilding of the city, Jerusalem, including the streets and walls, not merely the temple. The people resisted this decree and stopped work on the temple until the second year of Darius (See Ezra 4:4-5, 24.)


Darius issued a decree in 520 BC and ordered the construction of the temple to continue (Ezra 6:11-12). Again, this decree was for the temple, not the city. The temple was completed by the sixth year of Darius (Ezra 6:14-15) so this could not be the decree spoken of by Daniel. Counting the prophecy from these dates would place us well before Christ’s life.


When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, everybody was already at work building Jerusalem (Neh. 2:16) under the authority of the decree they had received thirteen years earlier from Ezra. Nehemiah finished his work in 52 days (Neh.6:15). The city and walls had been rebuilt much earlier, and Nehemiah merely repaired some recent damage to the gates and walls.


Actually, once you determine the date of the decree of Artaxerxes (in his seventh year), then it is easy to determine the date of Nehemiah’s commission since it was in the 20th year of Artaxerxes (Neh.2:1). Nehemiah 1:1-2 shows that Nehemiah’s brother came from Susa in December (Chislev) to report the sad situation in Jerusalem. Four months later (Nisan), in the spring of 444 BC, Artaxerxes’ 20th year, the king gave permission for Nehemiah to go to Jerusalem (Neh.2:1-8).


The second temple was rebuilt in the sixth year of King Darius – Year 3445 from creation – 516 BC – Ezra 6:15


Esther becomes Queen of Persia by marrying King Ahasuerus (Xeres) – Year 3482 from creation – 479 BC – Esther 1-2


Xeres allows the Jews to defend themselves against the plot of Haman – Year 3487 from creation – 474 BC – Esther 1-8. The first Purim celebration is observed the next year in 473 BC.


Ezra arrives in Jerusalem to be in charge of Jewish affairs (teaching the law of God to the Jews and setting up judges) on behalf of King Artaxerxes and the Persian government, Ezra read the Law to the returning exiles on the 1st day of the 7th month, on the Feast of Trumpets, and the people understood and believed. This marked a new beginning for Israel as they accepted God’s covenant once again. – Year 3503 from creation – 458 BC – Ezra 7


King Artaxerxes’ decree to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem under the leadership of Nehemiah– Year 3517 from creation – 444 BC – Nehemiah 2:1


3445 years (epochs 1-8) + 72 years (epoch 9) = 3517 years.


Epoch 10: Artaxerxes’ decree to rebuild Jerusalem to “Palm” Sunday before Jesus’ crucifixion: 444 BC to AD 33 = 476 years (Daniel 9:24-26)


The decree was given by Artaxerxes to Nehemiah in 444 BC (Neh. 2) was the starting point of Daniel’s 70th Week/Sevens prophecy recorded in the book of Daniel. “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks (49 years), and threescore and two weeks (434 years): the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined”(Daniel 9:25-26). The end of this part of the prophecy occurred in AD 33 when Jesus was “cut off” from being King of the Jews, This occurred on Nisan 10, on a Sunday (now known as Palm Sunday), fulfilling the prophecy of Daniel 9:25-26. Daniel 9:24 (Jesus’ second coming to establish His millennium kingdom) and Daniel 9:27 (the last 7 years of the “Tribulation” before Jesus returns) have yet to be fulfilled.


Four days later (Thursday) AD 33 Nisan 14, the Lord Jesus was crucified on a Feast of Passover. Three days later (Sunday) AD 33 Nisan 17, Jesus was resurrected back to life on a Feast of Firstfruits fulfilling His prophecy of Matthew 12:39-40.


The first part of Daniel’s prophecy (Daniel 9:25-26) consists of 483 total years of 360 days per year…not our current solar calendar of 365.2422 days per year. The 360-day per-year calendar (called the prophetic calendar) was the one that Daniel was referring to when he gave his prophecy. The only other time/s in the Old Testament that this 360-day calendar was referred to was during the flood of Noah, Genesis 7 and 8 and possibly Genesis 29:27-30.


Daniel 9:24-26 and Genesis 29: 27-30 are the only two times in the Bible that the word “weeks” is used as a term for 7 years (360 days per year). However, when reckoning cumulative years for Bible chronology, we use the solar calendar and thus the 476 years. For more details, see my article Ancient Calendars, Feast Days, & Daniel 12:11: Part 3: By Randy Nettles (raptureready.com)


King Artaxerxes decrees rebuilding Jerusalem -Year 3517 from creation – 444 BC – Nehemiah 2:1 – Note: Nehemiah, the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, approached the king regarding rebuilding the walls and gate in Jerusalem. Ezra, the Jewish priest, led the people to pray and repent; the people responded with a will to accomplish the task. The wall was completed in 52 days.

1 and 2 Chronicles are written (possibly by Ezra) were written in 440 BC. The books of Nehemiah and Malachi were written in 430 BC.


Alexander the Great conquers Palestine (the new name for the land of Judah) and becomes a province of the Greek Empire– Year 3629 from creation – 332 BC – Note: Alexander defeats Darius at Gaugamela in 331 BC, thus the 3rd Greek kingdom/beast (of Daniel’s vision) defeats the 2nd kingdom/beast of the Persians. The Greeks go on to defeat most of the known world. Alexander’s reign is short-lived as he dies in 323 BC. The kingdom is divided up into four parts by his generals. The same year (323 BC) Ptolemy I controls Palestine and in 319 BC conquers Jerusalem. In 311 BC Seleucus I Nicator conquers Babylon and begins the Seleucid dynasty.


Scriptures of the Hebrew and Aramaic Pentateuch are translated into Greek Septuagint translation – Year 3711 from creation – 250 BC


Antiochus III of the Seleucid dynasty of Syria gains complete control of Palestine – Year 3763 from creation - 198 BC – verified by the Jewish historian Josephus


Antiochus Epiphanes ends the Jew's “sacrifices and atonements” in the Temple of God on Kislev 24 167 BC. The first abomination of desolation occurs on December 25 167 BC by the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes – Year 3794 from creation – 167 BC – Book of Maccabees


Judas Maccabeus, a Jewish priest, leads a revolt against the Syrians – Year 3795 from creation – 166 BC


Recapture of the Jewish Temple and cleansing of the sanctuary led by Judas Maccabeus on Kislev 24, 164 BC, This great event took place on the 24th day of the ninth month (Jewish calendar) exactly 3 years to the day after Antiochus IV had forced the ending of the daily sacrifice. – Year 3797 from creation – 164 BC


A brief history of the Maccabean dynasty: Judas Maccabeus defeats the Seleucid general Nicanor in 161 BC, and dies the same year. Judas’ son Jonathan becomes the leader. In approximately 142 BC, Simon Maccabeus succeeded his brother Jonathan as the high priest and ruler of Judea. After the death of Simon, his son, John Hyrcanus came to power in 134 BC. John Hyrcanus died in 104 BC and was succeeded by his son Aristobulus I who ruled for 1 year and died in 102 BC. His brother Alexander Janneus succeeded him as high priest and proclaimed himself king. He married Salome Alexandra, the widow of Aristobulus. 


Janneus was an excellent military commander and at the end of his reign, he ruled more territory than any Judean king had since Solomon. He died in battle in 76 BC and his wife ascended to the throne. Salome Alexandra ascended to the throne as queen of Judea and peace marked her 10-year reign. Upon Salome’s death in 67 BC, civil war over the throne began between her sons Aristobulus II and Hyrcanus II. The civil war lasted for several years until the Roman general Pompey conquered Jerusalem in 63 BC after a 3-month siege and reinstated Hyrcanus II as a high priest. Julius Caesar is assassinated on March 15, 44 BC. His grandnephew, Gaius Octavian, eventually overcame Mark Anthony and consolidated his power in 30 BC. He was later called Caesar Augustus. It was under his reign that Jesus Christ was born.


Hyrcanus II ruled Palestine, along with the Idumean (Edomite) regent, Antipater, until 40 BC when he was removed by Aristobulus’s son, Antigonus, with help from the Parthians. Herod, the son of Antipater, was governor of Palestine at this time and had to flee to Rome to seek help from Octavian and Mark Antony who declared Herod the rightful (puppet) king.


Herod returned to Jerusalem with two legions of Roman soldiers in 37 BC and laid siege to Jerusalem for six months until Jerusalem fell to Rome. The Romans beheaded Antigonus, and Herod married Hyrcanus’s granddaughter to strengthen his right to the throne in the eyes of the Judeans. He became King of Judea in 37 BC.


In 30 BC, Herod charged Hyrcanus with treason and executed him in order to prevent the Roman emperor Octavian Caesar “Augustus” from placing any descendants of the Maccabees in charge of Palestine (Judea).


Herod (called the Great) began his restoration and renovation of the Temple in 19 BC.

Caesar Augustus issues a decree for all Judeans to return to their homelands for the purpose of a census in 6 BC.


Birth of Jesus Christ – Year 3956 from creation – 5 BC – Mathew 2; Luke 2:1-20


Herod the Great dies in the year 4 BC and his son, Herod Agrippa I, becomes the new king.

Tiberius Caesar begins his official reign (not co-reign) in the fall of AD 14 as emperor of Rome.

John the Baptist and Jesus’ ministries begin – Year 3990 from Creation – AD29 – Luke 3:21-38 – Luke 3:1-6 says that John the Baptist’s ministry began in the 15th year of Tiberius Caesar’s reign, so that would be in the fall of AD 29/30.


Jesus’ death by crucifixion on the day of the Passover Feast, Nisan 14, 33 AD. He was resurrected back to life 3 days later on the Feast of Firstfruits, Nisan 17, 33 BC – Year 3993 from Creation (note: only 7 years shy of 4000 years of mankind by my reckoning – 4th day of the Lord) – AD 33 – Luke 23:32-49


Note: Joseph, Jesus’ step-father, was a descendant of King David and his son Solomon. Mary, Jesus’ mother, was a descendant of King David and his son Nathan.


3517 years (epochs 1- 9) + 476 years = 3993 years


Epoch 11: The New Testament era – giving of the Holy Spirit to the apostles during Pentecost to the last books of the Bible written by John: AD 33 to AD 100 = 67 years


The Holy Spirit comes upon the apostles during Pentecost – Year 3993 from creation – AD 33 – Acts 2:1-42


Here are a few major events of this time of the New Testament era: Stephen, an early church elder, (full of faith and power who did great wonders and miracles among the people) was martyred in AD 35. Paul is converted the same year.


Herod martyrs James the apostle, the brother of John the apostle in AD 44. James, Jesus’ step-brother writes the first New Testament book in AD 45. Paul and Barnabas (and John Mark initially) embark on the first missionary journey in AD 48. In AD 49, James leads a council of Christians in Jerusalem to discuss the new Gentile converts and the sufficiency of grace for salvation free of the law. Paul writes Galatians the same year.


Herod Agrippa II becomes king of the Jews in AD 50 after his father is struck down by God. He was the last in the line of Roman-appointed Herodian kings. Paul embarks on his 2nd missionary journey. Paul writes 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians in AD 51 and embarks on his 3rd missionary journey in AD 53. In the same year, the Jews are expelled from Rome until AD 54, when Nero ascended to the Roman throne.


Paul writes 1 and 2 Corinthians and Romans in AD 56. He makes his final visit to Jerusalem in AD 57. Mark writes his Gospel book in AD 58. Matthew and Luke write their Gospels in AD 60. Paul writes Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon from prison in Rome in AD 60. He then writes Philippians and 1 Timothy in AD 62. Luke the physician writes Acts in AD 62. James, the Lord’s brother and leader of the church in Jerusalem is martyred by the high priest of the Jews.


Peter writes his first epistle in AD 63. It is believed the Hebrews was written in the same year; the author is unknown but many believe it was authored by Paul. Peter writes his second epistle in AD 64. The same year fire ravages Rome for 6 days and destroys half the city. Nero blames the Christians in Rome and they are persecuted in great numbers. Peter is one of the martyred Christians and is killed in AD 65.


Paul writes Titus in AD 66. A Jewish revolt against the Romans occurs in Jerusalem in AD 66 and lasts for 3 years. In AD 67, the church at Jerusalem adheres to a divine revelation (Luke 21:20-21) that was given to Jesus’ disciples and escape the city and flee to Pella. Paul is arrested and brought back to Rome where he writes 2 Timothy. He is martyred in AD 68.


The Roman general Vespasian and his son Titus conquers Galilee in AD 67. Vespasian is proclaimed emperor in AD.69 and turns the war over to his son Titus.


Jerusalem and the Temple are destroyed in AD 70 on the 9th day of Av (Jewish calendar) – Year 4030 from creation – AD 70. The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus was an eyewitness to the tragedy.


The Roman army plowed the Temple Mount and the city of Jerusalem on the 9th Day of Av (on the 1 year anniversary of the destruction of the Temple and the city) – Year 4031 from creation – AD 71


The remnant Jewish soldiers and some women and children who had fled Jerusalem in AD 70 were “holed up” at the rock fortress at Masada. In AD 73 the Roman army built a ramp and wasabout to break through, so the Jews committed mass suicide rather than face enslavement under the Romans.


In AD 79 Vespasian dies and Titus becomes emperor of Rome. His reign was short-lived as he died in AD 81. Titus’ brother, Domitian, then becomes emperor the same year. In AD 87 Domitian issues a decree that he was to be worshiped as lord and god. Of course, the Christians were unwilling to submit to this decree and were subject to great persecution under Domitian’s rule. John was exiled to the island of Patmos during this persecution.


John writes the book of Revelation and the Gospel of John – Year 4055 from creation – AD 95

Domitian is assassinated in AD 96 and Nerva replaces him as emperor. Nerva issued a recall of all of Domitian’s exiles the same year, and John returned to Ephesus. John writes 1, 2, 3 John between the years' AD 96 and AD 100.


3993 years (Epochs 1-10) + 67 years (Epoch 11) = 4060 years


Author’s Note: The rest of this chronology is adequately recorded in history, I will just add some of the more important events


Epoch 12: Catholic Christianity Era: AD 100 – AD 312 = 212 years


Ignatius, the bishop of Antioch is martyred – Year 4070 from creation – AD 110 – Persecution of Christians by the Roman government and the emperor Trajan began about this time.


The Jewish revolt against the Roman occupation of Palestine began in AD 132 and ended in AD 135. The entire Jewish population of Judea was deported and replaced with Gentiles. The provinces’ name was changed from Judea to Syria-Palestine.


Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna and a disciple of the apostle John is martyred in AD 156. Justin, one of Christianity’s first apologists is martyred in AD 165.


Septimius Severus, a man of African descent, became emperor or Rome in AD 192. In AD 202, he established a law forbidding new conversions to Christianity. One could worship other gods, but they had to acknowledge the Roman sun god was supreme. Persecution ensued and many were martyred during this time.


Origen, a scholar from Alexandria, Egypt begins his writings in approximately AD 205. Origen wrote extensively on theological matters with more than 2000 works, including commentaries on nearly every book of the Bible. Origen was one of the first (and greatest) theologians who made allegorical interpretation of the Bible (especially eschatological writings) the standard hermeneutic from his time through the Middle Ages. He included many concepts from Plato into his writings, merging philosophy with spiritual matters.


Trajanus Decius becomes emperor of Rome in AD 249 and begins the persecution of Christians in AD 250. He died in battle the following year.


Emperor Diocletian issues four edits in AD 303 which results in the most vicious and horrific persecutions upon the Christians of the empire. He ordered the destruction of church buildings and the prohibition of Christian worship, as well as the burning of Bibles. Thousands of Christians were tortured and killed. Diocletian abdicated the throne in AD 305.


Diocletian’s son-in-law, Galerius assumes the throne in AD 303 and persecutes Christians even more than Diocletian did. On his deathbed in AD 311, Galerius issued the Edict of Toleration, which pardoned Christians and allowed them to resume their faith in Jesus. He died 5 days after issuing his edict. Perhaps he saw “the writing on the wall” before his death.


Constantine was the western co-emperor of the Roman Empire beginning in AD 306. In AD 312, he defeats his rival for the throne, Maxentius, in front of the Tiber River near Rome. Constantine then becomes sole emperor of the Western Roman Empire.


4060 years (Epochs 1-11) + 212 years (epoch 12) = 4272 years


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