A Timeline of World History: A Biblical Perspective

Based on the Ussher Chronology and Answers in Genesis

When we study history, we often turn to secular textbooks that claim the earth is billions of years old. However, as believers who hold to the authority of God’s Word, we must look at history through a biblical lens. Archbishop James Ussher developed one of the most detailed biblical chronologies in the 17th century. Using genealogies in Scripture, Ussher calculated that creation occurred in 4004 B.C., providing a framework for understanding history from a young-earth perspective.

Organizations like Answers in Genesis affirm this timeline, showing how historical and archaeological evidence aligns with biblical truth. According to the Ussher Chronology, let’s take a journey through time, tracing world history from creation to the present.

Creation and the Early World (4004 B.C. – c. 2300 B.C.)

4004 B.C. – Creation of the World

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1, NASB)

  • God created everything in six literal days, including Adam and Eve.

  • The Garden of Eden was perfect, free from sin and death.

c. 3924 B.C. – The Fall of Man

  • Adam and Eve disobeyed God, bringing sin into the world (Genesis 3).

  • Death, suffering, and corruption entered creation.

c. 3317 B.C. – The Birth of Noah

  • As humanity multiplied, wickedness increased (Genesis 6:5).

  • God revealed His plan to bring judgment through a global flood.

2348 B.C. – The Global Flood

  • God sent a worldwide flood to cleanse the earth (Genesis 6–9).

  • Noah, his family, and the animals were saved in the ark.

  • After the flood, the earth was repopulated through Noah’s three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

The Ice Age (c. 2300–1600 B.C.)

c. 2300 B.C. – The Ice Age Begins

  • The Ice Age followed the global flood caused by volcanic activity, warm oceans, and atmospheric changes.

  • According to Answers in Genesis, the Ice Age lasted about 700 years, significantly shorter than secular estimates.

  • The book of Job (Job 37:9-10, Job 38:29-30) contains references to ice and snow, suggesting people lived during this time.

Effects of the Ice Age

  • Large ice sheets covered parts of North America, Europe, and Asia.

  • Migration patterns were affected—animals and humans dispersed across the world.

  • Some post-flood civilizations, such as those in Mesopotamia and Egypt, emerged during this time.

c. 1600 B.C. – The Ice Age Ends

  • As the oceans cooled and volcanic activity subsided, ice sheets began to melt.

  • The climate stabilized, allowing for the rise of ancient civilizations.

The Post-Flood World and the Tower of Babel (c. 2300–2000 B.C.)

c. 2242 B.C. – The Tower of Babel

  • Humanity united in rebellion, building a great tower (Genesis 11).

  • God confused their languages, causing them to disperse across the earth.

  • This led to the formation of nations and diverse cultures.

c. 1996 B.C. – The Birth of Abraham

  • God called Abraham, promising that through his descendants, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3).

  • This marks the beginning of God’s covenant people, Israel.

The Patriarchs and the Rise of Egypt (2000–1500 B.C.)

c. 1921 B.C. – Abraham Enters Canaan

  • God reaffirmed His promise that Abraham’s descendants would inherit the land.

c. 1896 B.C. – Birth of Isaac

  • Isaac was the child of promise, born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age (Genesis 21).

c. 1706 B.C. – Joseph in Egypt

  • Joseph was sold into slavery but rose to power in Egypt (Genesis 37–41).

  • The Israelites moved to Egypt during a famine.

The Exodus and the Kingdom of Israel (1500–1000 B.C.)

1491 B.C. – The Exodus from Egypt

  • God delivered Israel through Moses (Exodus 12).

  • They received the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai.

1451 B.C. – Entering the Promised Land

  • Under Joshua’s leadership, Israel conquered Canaan.

c. 1050 B.C. – The Reign of King Saul

  • Israel transitioned from judges to a monarchy.

c. 1010 B.C. – King David’s Reign Begins

  • David established Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

c. 970 B.C. – King Solomon’s Reign

  • Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem.

The Exile and Return (1000–400 B.C.)

c. 722 B.C. – The Fall of the Northern Kingdom (Israel)

  • Assyria conquered Israel due to their rebellion against God.

c. 586 B.C. – The Fall of Jerusalem (Judah) and the Babylonian Exile

  • Babylon destroyed the temple and took Judah captive.

c. 539 B.C. – Persia Defeats Babylon

  • King Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem (Ezra 1).

c. 516 B.C. – The Second Temple Completed

  • The Jews rebuilt the temple, fulfilling prophecy.

c. 400 B.C. – The End of the Old Testament Period

  • Malachi was the last prophet before a 400-year period of silence.

The Life of Christ and the Early Church (4 B.C.–100 A.D.)

4 B.C. – The Birth of Jesus Christ

  • Jesus, the promised Messiah, was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2).

30 A.D. – Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection

  • Christ died for our sins and rose again, fulfilling prophecy.

33 A.D. – Pentecost and the Early Church

  • The Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to spread the Gospel.

Conclusion: Why This Matters

Understanding history from a biblical perspective helps us:

  1. Affirm the Bible’s Accuracy – The Bible is not just a spiritual book; it is an accurate historical record.

  2. Recognize God’s Sovereignty – History unfolds according to His divine plan.

  3. Defend Our Faith – A biblical timeline strengthens our confidence against secular claims.

The Ussher Chronology provides a framework for seeing history God’s way, reminding us that the past, present, and future are all in His hands.

"Forever, Lord, Your word stands in heaven." (Psalm 119:89, NASB)

Let us trust in the authority of Scripture as we study the past and look forward to Christ’s return!

Curtis Sergeant