What are the Sacred Books of the Old Testament – From Genesis to Maccabees?
The Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament present a remarkable treasury of divine revelation, containing 46 sacred books. Let us consider how these holy texts unfold across time – while the first five books (the Pentateuch) follow chronological order, the remaining books weave together multiple narratives spanning a millennium of salvation history.
Much is unknown to many readers about the true historical arrangement of these sacred texts. The Books of Samuel, for instance, run parallel to Chronicles and many Psalms, showing the intricate tapestry of God’s revelation through different literary forms. This divine arrangement presents both profound mysteries and opportunities for deeper understanding of Scripture.
The Holy Spirit, in His wisdom, guided the arrangement of these sacred books to serve His purpose. From the earliest accounts in Genesis through the prophetic writings during the Exile (586-538 BC), each text reflects the historical context of its composition while carrying eternal spiritual truth. This shows the extent of God’s providence in preserving His revelation through diverse literary styles and historical periods.
Let us now examine how these holy books unfold chronologically, from the patriarchal narratives to the final writings of the post-exilic period. Through this journey, we shall see how God’s hand guided the composition and preservation of these sacred texts, forming one unified revelation of His truth and mercy.
(Recommended Reading: For a deeper understanding of biblical chronology, I highly recommend consulting approved Catholic biblical commentaries and the writings of the Church Fathers on Scripture interpretation.)
Understanding the Sacred Timeline of the Old Testament
To understand the chronology of the Holy Scriptures presents both challenges and divine mysteries. The dating of sacred events remains uncertain until 853 BC, when King Ahab of Israel participated in the Battle of Karkar against Shalmaneser III of Assyria [4].
The Sacred Methods of Dating
The Catholic Church embraces both traditional and modern approaches to understanding biblical chronology. Let us consider the primary methods:
Sacred Genealogies and Royal Records
Scientific Dating Methods – particularly carbon-14 dating, which can determine age within thirty years for materials from 3,000 years ago [4]
Ancient Manuscripts – including the Dead Sea Scrolls from the 2nd century BCE [15]
This shows the complexity of ancient dating systems. The nation of Israel followed a calendar from Nisan to Adar (April to March), while Judah used Tishri to Elul (September to August) [15]. Furthermore, Israel and Judah employed different methods of recording regnal years, with Egypt and the Northern Kingdom using non-accession-year dating [15].
The Divine Providence in Archeological Findings
God, in His wisdom, has preserved evidence supporting biblical chronology through archeological discoveries.
Analysis of pottery material and design
Examination of writing fragments based on character shapes [16]
Much is unknown, as less than two percent of surveyed archeological sites have been excavated [16]. This implies great potential for future discoveries confirming Sacred Scripture.
The Historical Context of Divine Revelation
The Catholic Church teaches that understanding historical context proves essential for accurate biblical interpretation. The Old Testament events occurred within specific cultural, social, and political frameworks [16]. This is ratified by archeological evidence, with no discovery ever contradicting biblical references [16].
The geographical setting of these sacred events spans from Mesopotamia in the northeast to the Nile River in Egypt in the southwest [17]. Palestine served as a crucial trade route between major empires, including the Egyptian Empire to the south and the Hittite and Babylonian Empires to the north and east [17].
Recent archeological work at Timna revealed through carbon dating that advanced societies existed around 1000 BC [17], corresponding to the time of David and Solomon according to biblical chronology. This shows the extent that God has preserved evidence of His sacred history through both Scripture and archeological findings.
The Sacred History Before the Kings
Let us consider the divine timeline beginning with Creation itself, documented through holy genealogies and historical markers. The earliest datable events emerge around 2350 BC with the Great Flood [5], showing God’s justice and mercy toward His creation.
The Holy Patriarchs and Exodus
The sacred narrative of our fathers in faith begins with Abraham’s journey to Canaan in 2090 BC [18]. Through divine providence, Isaac’s birth occurred in 2066 BC [18], establishing the foundation of God’s chosen people. The timeline continues through Jacob’s birth in 2005 BC [18], leading to Joseph’s providential rise in Egypt around 1886 BC [18].
The Exodus, that great manifestation of God’s power, occurred in 1446 BC [18]. This is ratified by archeological findings and corresponds to the words in 1 Kings 6:1, placing the Exodus 480 years before Solomon’s temple construction [18].
The Desert Wanderings
Much is unknown of the complete journey through the wilderness, which spanned forty years. The Holy Scriptures reveal two distinct phases:
Initial Phase (1446-1445 BC):
The sacred journey to Mount Sinai
Reception of God’s Holy Law
Construction of the Tabernacle [18]
The remaining years witnessed the people’s circular movements through various locations, ultimately reaching Canaan’s borders [18]. This shows the extent of God’s patience, as the younger generation replaced those who left Egypt [18].
(This covers the Pentateuch – the Books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy)
The Time of the Judges
The period of Judges, extending from approximately 1400 BC to 1050 BC [2], reveals God’s continued guidance of His people through cycles of sin, punishment, and deliverance. The Holy Spirit guided the leadership through an amphictyony (association of neighbouring states formed around a religious centre) system, with the sacred sanctuary moving between:
Shechem near Mount Ebal
Shiloh
Bethel [2]
Without strong centralized authority, tribal conflicts emerged frequently [2]. This is consistent with archeological evidence, particularly from the Late Bronze Age ending in 1177 BC [2]. The era concluded with Samuel’s judgeship, lasting 80 years from 1094 BC to 1014 BC [2].
(Recommended Reading: the Book of Judges alongside approved Catholic commentaries to understand God’s providence during this turbulent period of sacred history.”)
The Sacred Period of United Kingdom
The Lord, in His divine providence, established the United Kingdom of Israel through a significant transition around 1047 BCE [1]. This holy period witnessed God’s guidance through three successive kings: Saul, David, and Solomon.
Saul’s Kingship and Samuel’s Holy Writings
The monarchy commenced when the prophet Samuel anointed Saul as king in 1052 BC [17]. At thirty years of age, Saul ascended to the throne following the elders’ request for monarchial rule [1]. His reign, lasting between twelve to sixteen years [16], shows the complexity of human leadership under divine authority.
Much is unknown of Saul’s complete reign, yet Scripture reveals his early triumph against the Ammonites at Jabesh. Nevertheless, two grave actions led to his rejection: the premature offering of sacrifices at Gilgal and his disobedience regarding the Amalekites [17]. This shows how even chosen leaders can fall from grace through pride and disobedience.
David the Psalmist King
The Holy Spirit guided David’s ascension to the throne, bringing profound changes to God’s chosen people. Following Saul’s death in battle, David first governed Judah from Hebron before unifying the kingdom [1]. His reign witnessed God’s blessing through military victories and territorial expansion.
David’s most precious legacy lies in his divinely inspired compositions. The Lord blessed him to compose 73 of the 150 Psalms [16], each flowing from specific moments in his life:
Early Psalms (39, 19, 8): Composed during his service at Saul’s court
Persecution Psalms (59, 57, 142): Written while fleeing from Saul
Royal Psalms (24, 68, 132): Created after establishing Jerusalem as capital [16]
Solomon’s Wisdom and Temple
Solomon’s forty-year reign [16] manifested God’s blessing through peace and prosperity. His governance centered on three divine missions:
The Holy Temple: Constructed over seven years with Tyrian craftsmen [1]
Kingdom Organization: Established righteous governance [4]
Trade Development: Accumulated 666 talents of gold [4]
The wisdom of Solomon drew admiration from distant lands, as witnessed by the Queen of Sheba’s visit [4]. His divinely inspired writings formed the wisdom literature tradition, initially serving as guidance for noble youth and scribes [15]. This holy tradition encompassed both positive instruction and contemplative wisdom, addressing both practical living and deeper spiritual questions [15].
The United Kingdom concluded near 930 BCE amid internal strife [16]. Solomon’s excessive building projects, burdensome taxation, and religious compromises – including allowing pagan shrines – ultimately led to the kingdom’s division [4].
(Recommended Reading: The Books of Samuel and Kings alongside the Psalms to understand how God guides His people through both faithful and failing leadership.)
The Divine Division of the Kingdom
Let us consider how God permitted the division of Solomon’s kingdom as a testament to His justice. Following Solomon’s death in 931 BC, his son Rehoboam’s harsh governance triggered a rebellion that split the chosen nation [16].
The Northern Kingdom’s Fall from Grace
The Catholic Church teaches that the Northern Kingdom’s establishment at Shechem under Jeroboam I marked a tragic departure from true worship [17]. What followed shows the extent of human pride – Jeroboam instituted grave changes, forbidding pilgrimages to Jerusalem and establishing golden calves for worship [17].
Throughout its history, nineteen kings ruled across nine dynasties [5]. Unlike Judah’s faithful Davidic line, the Northern Kingdom witnessed frequent upheavals. This is problematic, as eight rulers seized power through assassination [18], revealing the kingdom’s departure from divine order.
According to ancient records, certain kings left profound marks on Israel’s history. Omri (885-874 BC) wielded such influence that Assyria continued calling Israel the “House of Omri” long after his dynasty’s end [18]. Under Jeroboam II (782-753 BC), the kingdom’s borders expanded to match their former Davidic extent [18].
The Holy Prophets’ Warnings
The Lord, in His mercy, raised up prophets during this period of spiritual decline. Hosea ministered from 785-725 BC [2], delivering divine messages to the wayward Northern Kingdom. The Holy Spirit also spoke through Amos from 780-760 BC [2], calling God’s people to true worship and justice.
These holy prophets confronted three primary evils:
Mixing pagan practices with true worship
Oppression of the poor
Unholy alliances with pagan nations [17]
Divine Providence in Historical Evidence
Much is unknown of this period, yet archeological discoveries continue confirming Scripture’s truth. Material evidence reveals an advanced society with sophisticated administration [16]. This is ratified by excavations confirming the biblical narrative, particularly regarding urban development.
Recent findings have moved beyond mere dates to reveal social patterns [16]. The Northern Kingdom maintained substantial wealth through trade routes connecting Egyptian and Mesopotamian empires [16]. Nevertheless, this prosperity could not prevent God’s judgment.
The period concluded in 722 BC when Assyria conquered Samaria, leading many into exile [18]. This shows how God’s justice ultimately prevails over human pride and unfaithfulness.
(Recommended Reading: Prophetic books of Hosea and Amos alongside approved Catholic commentaries to understand God’s mercy even in times of judgment.)
The Holy Kingdom of Judah’s Path to Exile
The Catholic Church teaches that after Israel’s fall to Assyria in 722 BC, Judah faced divine testing through pressures from surrounding empires [19]. Much is unknown of the complete spiritual state, yet the kingdom’s path changed dramatically under rulers who abandoned God’s ways.
The Voice of the Major Prophets
The Holy Spirit raised up mighty prophets during this crucial period. Isaiah’s holy ministry extended from 740-690 BC, addressing Judah’s spiritual decline during four kings’ reigns [2]. This is consistent with Jeremiah’s powerful witness from 627-585 BC, warning of coming judgment [3]. The Lord also spoke through Ezekiel between 592-570 BC, ministering to the exiled community [2].
(The Major Prophets – Books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel)
God’s Minor Prophets
The Lord sent additional prophetic voices across distinct periods:
Nahum (650-612 BC): Proclaimed God’s judgment on Nineveh [20]
Zephaniah (625 BC): Called for repentance before judgment [20]
Habakkuk (612-606 BC): Wrestled with divine justice [20]
The Kingdom’s Descent
This shows how God’s people faced increasing trials under various monarchs. Following Hezekiah’s faithful reign, the kingdom entered darkness when Manasseh took power at merely twelve years old [21]. His fifty-five-year reign brought unprecedented departure from true worship [21].
The decline hastened through three phases. Babylonian power grew after 605 BC, when Nebuchadnezzar defeated Egypt at Carchemish [7]. Judah then became entangled between Egypt and Babylon [22].
This is ratified by archeological discoveries confirming Scripture’s account. Excavations reveal destruction layers from the early sixth century BC [23], supporting the biblical narrative of Nebuchadnezzar’s campaigns.
The spiritual decay penetrated deeply during this period. Some leaders even brought Egyptian animal worship into the Lord’s temple [24]. Despite prophetic warnings, the people embraced pagan practices [24].
Jerusalem’s final years witnessed God’s judgment unfold. The situation worsened under the last four kings—Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah [7]. Their rejection of prophetic counsel hastened the holy city’s fall [7].
The period concluded with Jerusalem’s destruction in 586 BC [22]. This catastrophic event marked not only the city and temple’s fall but ended Judah’s entire governance [22]. Through this purifying judgment, God reshaped His people’s understanding during the exile [22].
(Recommended Reading: The major prophets and minor Prophets Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and the post-exile return Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi alongside approved Catholic commentaries to understand how God’s justice and mercy work together in history.)
The Sacred Period of Exile and Return
The Catholic Church teaches that the Babylonian exile, through multiple deportations between 586-538 BC [25], served as God’s instrument for purifying His people’s faith and traditions.
Divine Providence in Exile Literature
The Holy Spirit inspired rich literary developments during this period of trial. The Book of Lamentations emerged as a holy response to Jerusalem’s fall [9]. This is consistent with the first six chapters of Daniel, which served two divine purposes:
Strengthening the faithful’s trust in God
Revealing divine power to the Babylonian people [26]
Much is unknown of the complete literary activity during captivity. Nevertheless, the stories in Daniel 1-6, Susanna, and Bel and the Dragon emerged as powerful testimonies [9]. This shows how God guided the final arrangement of the Pentateuch during this period [9].
The Persian Era’s Sacred Writings
Let us consider how the Persian period transformed God’s people’s worship. The faith evolved from temple ceremonies to deeper engagement with sacred texts [27]. This is ratified by archeological findings showing the Judaeans in Babylon:
Cultivated new agricultural lands
Maintained community bonds
Preserved their religious identity [28]
The Lord guided His people during the Persian period (550-332 BC), when early biblical texts approached their final form [27]. God’s providence enabled communication between faithful communities across the Persian Empire, from Egypt to Persia [27].
The Holy Prophets of Return
The post-exilic prophets ministered from 520 to 431 BC [10], calling God’s people to renewed holiness. Their divine message centered on three sacred duties:
Returning to faithful covenant living
Rebuilding the Lord’s Temple
Establishing the New Jerusalem [10]
Through divine wisdom, Haggai and Zechariah emerged as powerful voices for restoration. Their holy guidance led to the temple’s completion in 516 BC [11]. Though Samaritans opposed the reconstruction, God’s purpose prevailed through prophetic direction [11].
These holy prophets proclaimed God’s vision for a New Jerusalem where His people would live in faithfulness [10]. Under Ezra’s divinely appointed leadership, the Law of God became the law of the land [11]. The period concluded with Malachi’s ministry, the final prophetic voice before the coming of Christ [11].
(Recommended Reading: The Books of Daniel, Ezra, and the post-exilic prophets Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi to understand how God purifies His people through trials and restoration.)
The Sacred Second Temple Period
The Second Temple era, spanning from 458 to 165 BC [29], marks a profound period in salvation history. The Catholic Church recognizes this time as crucial in preparing God’s people for the coming of Christ.
Ezra and Nehemiah’s Holy Mission
Through divine providence, Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in 458 BC [8], bringing spiritual renewal to the post-exilic community. The Holy Spirit then guided Nehemiah’s arrival in 444 BC [8], completing Jerusalem’s walls in merely 52 days [8].
The restoration unfolded in three divine movements:
The people’s return and temple rebuilding
Ezra’s spiritual reforms
Nehemiah’s holy fortification work
Much is unknown of their complete struggles, yet Scripture reveals constant opposition from surrounding peoples. Nehemiah returned briefly to Babylon in 432 BC [8], later resuming his sacred duties with additional reforms [30].
The Final Old Testament Writings
The Persian period (538 to 332 BC) [6] witnessed the Holy Spirit’s guidance in completing many sacred texts. This shows how God preserved His revelation through the faithful copying and arrangement of Scripture [31].
The Lord maintained unity among His people through communication networks spanning from Egypt to Persia. These holy communities produced various inspired works, including histories, wisdom teachings, and prophetic messages [31].
The Deuterocanonical Sacred Books
The Catholic Church treasures the deuterocanonical books, written between 300 BC and 100 AD [32], as part of divine revelation. These sacred texts emerged during the Hellenistic period [32], offering profound spiritual insights.
Let us consider their holy chronology:
Tobit: 225-175 BC [12]
Sirach: 200-175 BC [12]
Judith: Early first century BC [12]
1 Maccabees: Near 100 BC [12]
2 Maccabees: Late second century BC [12]
These sacred books gained authority through their inclusion in the Septuagint [32]. This is ratified by archeological evidence, including Tobit fragments from Qumran in both Aramaic and Hebrew [32].
The deuterocanonical writings reveal divine truth through various themes. 2 Maccabees presents one of our earliest testimonies to the resurrection of the body [33]. Furthermore, these texts illuminate the Hellenistic period and the holy Maccabean revolt [33].
The Second Temple period concluded amid great trials [29]. Nevertheless, both canonical and deuterocanonical writings show how God preserved His truth even amid cultural challenges.
(Recommended Reading: The deuterocanonical books alongside approved Catholic commentaries to understand their place in divine revelation.)
Divine Providence in Modern Archeological Findings
The Catholic Church teaches that archeological discoveries continue confirming the truth of Sacred Scripture. Let us consider how modern research methods reveal God’s providence in preserving evidence of biblical history.
Sacred Timeline Confirmations
What does modern archeology tell us about biblical chronology? According to recent excavations at Timna, sophisticated copper mining operations existed around 1000 BC [34], confirming the biblical account of David and Solomon’s era. This is ratified by discoveries at Jerusalem’s City of David, revealing King Uzziah’s defensive walls [35].
The Lord has preserved evidence even in ancient currency. A study of silver pieces (“hacksilver”) demonstrated their use during the Middle Bronze Age [36], supporting Scripture’s accounts of patriarchal transactions.
Much is unknown of complete ancient engineering achievements, yet the Pool of Siloam in Jerusalem [37] testifies to King Hezekiah’s wisdom. Furthermore, excavations at Gezer confirm “Solomonic” architecture through radiocarbon dating to the early to mid-10th century BC [36].
Divine Wisdom in Dating Methods
The Catholic Church embraces scientific methods that confirm biblical truth. Let us consider three primary dating techniques:
Method | Application | Reliability |
|---|---|---|
Carbon-14 Dating | Organic materials | Accurate within 30 years for 3,000-year-old items [38] |
Archaeomagnetism | Pottery, bricks, tiles | Precise for 800-400 BC period [13] |
Dendrochronology | Wood artifacts | Highly accurate through tree-ring counting [38] |
This shows how archaeomagnetic dating provides particular precision for 800-400 BC [13], analyzing magnetic fields in burnt objects to date destruction layers.
Truth in Academic Discussion
The academic community debates certain chronological points. Some scholars suggest a later Canaan conquest date of 1230-1220 BC, though this conflicts with traditional biblical chronology [39].
Nevertheless, divine providence continues revealing new evidence. Research from Tel Aviv University on Arad inscriptions suggests widespread literacy among Judahite armies around 600 BC [40], supporting early biblical composition.
The Holy Spirit guides ongoing discoveries at Khirbet el-Maqatir, revealing:
Late Bronze Age pottery
Well-constructed gateways and walls
Deposits of ash
Military artifacts including sling-stones and arrowheads [14]
An Egyptian scarab from the 18th Dynasty (1550-1450 BC) [14] provides additional confirmation. These findings support an earlier Conquest date of 1400 BC rather than 1200 BC [14].
Less than two percent of surveyed archeological sites have been excavated [38], suggesting God’s providence may reveal even more confirmations of Sacred Scripture.
The Divine Timeline of Sacred History
Let us consider how the Holy Spirit has guided our understanding of Sacred Scripture’s chronology from Creation through the Second Temple period. As we read in the archeological records, modern discoveries continue confirming the truth of God’s Word, while scientific dating methods offer unprecedented precision.
The Catholic Church teaches that the Old Testament books, though arranged by literary forms, present one unified divine revelation spanning over 1,000 years. This is ratified by archeological findings at Timna, Jerusalem’s City of David, and Khirbet el-Maqatir. Through God’s providence, modern methods like Carbon-14 dating, archaeomagnetism, and dendrochronology now verify these sacred historical events.
Much is unknown of certain historical details, yet our journey through pre-monarchic times, united monarchy, divided kingdom, exile, and Second Temple period reveals remarkable consistency between Scripture and archeological evidence. This shows how God preserves truth through both His written Word and material discoveries. While debates continue regarding specific dates, particularly the conquest of Canaan, ongoing excavations consistently support biblical narratives.
The Lord continues revealing His truth through archeological discoveries, with less than two percent of surveyed biblical sites excavated. This implies great potential for future findings to enhance our understanding of Old Testament chronology while resolving scholarly questions about specific dates and events.
(Recommended Reading: I highly recommend studying both Sacred Scripture and approved Catholic archeological journals to understand how modern discoveries confirm God’s revelation through history. A great companion would be the Catechism’s sections on divine revelation alongside current archeological research.)
FAQs
Q1. What is the chronological order of the Old Testament books? The Old Testament books are not arranged chronologically in the Bible. However, a general chronological order begins with Genesis, followed by Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The historical books like Joshua, Judges, and Ruth come next, followed by the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. The prophetic books and wisdom literature are interspersed throughout this timeline, with the latest books being those written during and after the Babylonian exile.
Q2. How do archeologists date events in the Old Testament? Archeologists use various methods to date Old Testament events. These include carbon-14 dating for organic materials, archaeomagnetism for pottery and bricks, and dendrochronology for wood artifacts. They also analyze pottery designs, writing styles, and compare findings with known historical events. Recent discoveries, such as those at Timna and the City of David, have provided valuable evidence supporting biblical chronology.
Q3. What was the significance of the United Monarchy period in Israel’s history? The United Monarchy period (1050-930 BC) was a crucial era in Israel’s history, marked by the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon. This period saw the establishment of a centralized government, territorial expansion, and significant cultural developments. David’s reign brought military victories and the composition of many Psalms, while Solomon’s era was characterized by peace, prosperity, and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem.
Q4. How did the Babylonian exile impact Jewish religious practices? The Babylonian exile (586-538 BC) profoundly impacted Jewish religious practices. It led to a shift from temple-based worship to a focus on sacred texts and communal study. This period saw the development of synagogues and the emergence of scribal traditions. The exile also influenced biblical literature, with books like Lamentations and parts of Daniel being composed during this time. The experience of exile shaped Jewish theology and strengthened the community’s religious identity.
Q5. What role do the deuterocanonical books play in understanding Old Testament history? The deuterocanonical books, written between 300 BC and 100 AD, provide valuable insights into Jewish history and thought during the Second Temple period. These texts, including books like Tobit, Sirach, and 1 and 2 Maccabees, offer historical information about the Hellenistic period and the Maccabean revolt. They also introduce important theological concepts, such as the belief in individual resurrection. While not universally accepted as canonical, these books help bridge the gap between the Old and New Testaments and offer a broader understanding of Jewish religious development.
References
[1] – https://www.thebiblejourney.org/biblejourney2/22-the-world-of-the-old-testament-journeys/dating-events-in-the-old-testament/
[2] – https://zondervanacademic.bibleodyssey.net/video-gallery/archeology-and-dating/
[3] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dating_the_Bible
[4] – https://christopherlynnscott.com/setting-the-record-straight-on-old-testament-dates/
[5] – https://www.ldolphin.org/sewell/sewellchron.html
[6] – https://evidenceandanswers.org/article/archeology-and-the-old-testament/
[7] – https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/oldtestament/context/
[8] – https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/archeological-dig-reignites-debate-old-testament-historical-accuracy-180979011/
[9] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_literalist_chronology
[10] – https://biblehub.com/timeline/
[11] – https://www.biblicaltraining.org/library/chronology-of-the-old-testament
[12] – https://www.julianspriggs.co.uk/pages/WildernessChronology
[13] – https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Period-Judges
[14] – https://www.bible.ca/archeology/bible-archeology-exodus-route-date-chronology-of-judges.htm
[15] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Israel_(united_monarchy)
[16] – https://www.bible.ca/archeology/bible-archeology-maps-timeline-chronology-1samuel-eli-samuel-saul-becomes-king-1046-1019bc.htm
[17] – https://www.thebiblicaltimeline.org/saul/
[18] – http://storage.cloversites.com/churchinthecity/documents/Chronology of Davids Psalms.pdf
[19] – https://www.britannica.com/topic/biblical-literature/Kings-background-and-Solomons-reign
[20] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Books_of_Kings
[21] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom_literature
[22] – https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/reviews/divided-kingdom-united-critics/
[23] – https://www.jewishhistory.org/the-divided-kingdom/
[24] – https://www.biblegateway.com/learn/bible-101/kings-prophets-israel-judah/
[25] – https://enterthebible.org/time-period/divided-monarchy
[26] – https://bible-history.com/old-testament/prophets-chronology
[27] – http://thebibleforstudents.com/minor-prophets/lesson-3-chart
[28] – https://www.biblequestions.org/bqar410.html
[29] – http://www.westarkchurchofchrist.org/wings/minorprophets/timetable.htm
[30] – https://www.ucg.ca/booklets/bible-and-archeology-part-2/downfall-judah-exile-babylon
[31] – https://www.scriptureanalysis.com/the-fall-of-judah-ancient-kingdoms-downfall/
[32] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_ancient_Israel_and_Judah
[33] – https://academic.oup.com/book/2605/chapter/142977405
[34] – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/old-testament-student-manual-kings-malachi/enrichment-h?lang=eng
[35] – https://www.britannica.com/event/Babylonian-Captivity
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[39] – https://auburnseminary.bibleodyssey.org/articles/babylonian-exile/
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[55] – https://tacticalchristianity.org/a-new-dating-method-for-biblical-archeology/
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