Overview
This page presents a structured, young‑earth biblical timeline covering Genesis 12–25 — the life of Abraham, the covenant promises, the births of Ishmael and Isaac, and the transition to the next generation. It harmonizes explicit age markers in Scripture with a ~6000‑year chronology.
1. Abraham’s Call and Entrance into Canaan
- Approximate Date: ~2091 BC
- Abraham’s Age: 75
- Scripture: Genesis 12:1–4
Key Events
- God calls Abram to leave Haran.
- Abram enters Canaan.
- God promises land and blessing.
2. Abraham’s Journey to Egypt
- Approximate Date: ~2089 BC
- Abraham’s Age: 77
- Scripture: Genesis 12:10–20
Key Events
- Famine drives Abram to Egypt.
- Pharaoh enriches Abram.
- Hagar likely acquired during this period.
3. Covenant Renewal and Lot’s Separation
- Approximate Date: ~2085 BC
- Abraham’s Age: ~81
- Scripture: Genesis 13
Key Events
- Lot chooses the Jordan plain.
- God reaffirms the land promise.
4. Abraham Rescues Lot
- Approximate Date: ~2080 BC
- Abraham’s Age: ~86
- Scripture: Genesis 14
Key Events
- Abraham defeats the eastern kings.
- Melchizedek blesses Abraham.
5. God Promises a Son from Abraham’s Own Body
- Approximate Date: ~2080 BC
- Abraham’s Age: ~86
- Scripture: Genesis 15
Key Events
- God promises Abraham a biological heir.
- Covenant ceremony with smoking firepot and flaming torch.
6. Hagar Given to Abraham
- Approximate Date: ~2075 BC
- Abraham’s Age: ~85
- Scripture: Genesis 16:1–3
Key Events
- Sarai gives Hagar to Abraham.
- Hagar conceives Ishmael.
7. Birth of Ishmael
- Approximate Date: ~2065 BC
- Abraham’s Age: 86
- Scripture: Genesis 16:16
Key Events
- Ishmael becomes Abraham’s firstborn.
- God promises to multiply Ishmael’s descendants.
8. Covenant of Circumcision and Name Change
- Approximate Date: ~2052 BC
- Abraham’s Age: 99
- Scripture: Genesis 17
Key Events
- Abram becomes Abraham.
- Sarai becomes Sarah.
- God promises a son through Sarah.
- Ishmael circumcised at age 13.
9. Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
- Approximate Date: ~2051 BC
- Abraham’s Age: 99–100
- Scripture: Genesis 18–19
Key Events
- Angels visit Abraham.
- Abraham intercedes for Sodom.
- Lot rescued.
10. Birth of Isaac
- Approximate Date: ~2066 BC
- Abraham’s Age: 100
- Sarah’s Age: 90
- Scripture: Genesis 21:1–7
Key Events
- Isaac, the child of promise, is born.
- Ishmael mocks Isaac.
- Hagar and Ishmael sent away.
11. Treaty with Abimelech
- Approximate Date: ~2045 BC
- Abraham’s Age: ~110
- Scripture: Genesis 21:22–34
Key Events
- Abraham and Abimelech make a covenant at Beersheba.
12. The Binding of Isaac (Akedah)
- Approximate Date: ~2030 BC
- Abraham’s Age: ~125
- Isaac’s Age: Likely late teens
- Scripture: Genesis 22
Key Events
- God tests Abraham.
- Abraham offers Isaac.
- God provides a ram.
- Covenant reaffirmed.
13. Sarah’s Death
- Approximate Date: ~2026 BC
- Sarah’s Age: 127
- Abraham’s Age: ~137
- Scripture: Genesis 23
Key Events
- Sarah dies in Hebron.
- Abraham purchases the cave of Machpelah.
14. Isaac’s Marriage to Rebekah
- Approximate Date: ~2025 BC
- Isaac’s Age: 40
- Abraham’s Age: ~140
- Scripture: Genesis 24
Key Events
- Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac.
- Rebekah chosen at the well.
15. Abraham’s Final Years
- Approximate Date: ~1991 BC
- Abraham’s Age: 175
- Scripture: Genesis 25:1–11
Key Events
- Abraham marries Keturah.
- Abraham dies and is buried beside Sarah.
Harmonized Timeline Table
| Event | Approx. Date (YE View) | Abraham’s Age | Scripture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call of Abraham | ~2091 BC | 75 | Genesis 12 |
| Journey to Egypt | ~2089 BC | 77 | Genesis 12 |
| Covenant renewed | ~2085 BC | ~81 | Genesis 13 |
| Rescue of Lot | ~2080 BC | ~86 | Genesis 14 |
| Promise of a son | ~2080 BC | ~86 | Genesis 15 |
| Hagar given | ~2075 BC | ~85 | Genesis 16 |
| Ishmael born | ~2065 BC | 86 | Genesis 16:16 |
| Covenant of circumcision | ~2052 BC | 99 | Genesis 17 |
| Sodom destroyed | ~2051 BC | 99–100 | Genesis 18–19 |
| Isaac born | ~2066 BC | 100 | Genesis 21 |
| Treaty with Abimelech | ~2045 BC | ~110 | Genesis 21 |
| Binding of Isaac | ~2030 BC | ~125 | Genesis 22 |
| Sarah dies | ~2026 BC | ~137 | Genesis 23 |
| Isaac marries Rebekah | ~2025 BC | ~140 | Genesis 24 |
| Abraham dies | ~1991 BC | 175 | Genesis 25 |
Key Theological Themes
- Faith and Obedience: Abraham’s trust in God shapes the covenant story.
- Promise and Fulfillment: Isaac’s birth demonstrates God’s faithfulness.
- Covenant Line: The transition from Abraham to Isaac prepares the way for Jacob and the tribes of Israel.
Conclusion
Genesis 12–25 forms the backbone of the patriarchal era. Within a young‑earth framework, these events unfold over roughly 100 years, establishing the covenant promises that shape the rest of Scripture.
