Creation & Covenant
At Canyon Hills, we believe that the Bible is a unified, uninterrupted story that leads to Jesus.
HISTORICAL MAP
If the names, locations, and events in your Bible feel foreign to you, that’s because they are! In fact, almost all of the events we read about in Scripture took place in what’s known today as the “Middle East.” It can feel alienating or jarring to interact with words from another language, especially when it’s your turn to read out loud at your small group. Don’t worry; no one is going to quiz you on pronunciation here. We created this helpful map with modern political boundaries to help you get a sense of where exactly the events in Scripture took place. Follow along with the story each week, and use tools, like this map, to grow and deepen your understanding of this unified story that leads to Jesus. We hope this sparks your interest and imagination as you allow the words of the Bible to come alive for you this year.
KEY Modern Political Boundaries Movement
Prominent Locations
Prominent Figures
UNDATED
Noah Builds the ark
2630 BC Pyramids of Egypt constructed
2500 BC
Egyptians use papyrus and ink for writing
2331 BC Sumerian king, Sargon, becomes first “world conqueror”
2166 BC
Abraham is born
2091 BC
Abraham travels to Canaan
2066 BC
Isaac is born
2006 BC
Jacob & Esau are born
1915 BC
Joseph is born
1898 BC
Joseph is sold into slavery
1885-1805 BC
Joseph rules Egypt
1800-1446 BC
Israelistes enslaved in Egypt
2000 BC (ESTIMATED) Stonehenge erected in England
1900 BC (ESTIMATED) Spoked wheels invented
1750 BC (ESTIMATED) Hammurabi of Babylon provides first written law code
1526 BC
Moses is born
1446-1445 BC
The Exodous, Ten Commandments given, The second Passover
1500 BC (ESTIMATED) Mexican Sun Pyramid built
The original recipients of many of the original writings which became the Old Testament didn’t need background information or historical context---they were living it. They knew where certain regions were and who was ruling this or that place the same way you and I know where San Diego is, or who the president happens to be.
Today, it can be difficult to place the events of Scripture in the overall timeline of history. We created this world history timeline so that you can see when the events in Scripture took place alongside other notable events in history.
It’s important to note that while the veracity of some of the events and people in Scripture have been contested, over time, non-biblical findings have confirmed the historicity of key Biblical figures. It’s important not to distinguish “Biblical history” from “world history.” It’s all just history.
The Bible isn’t just a book; it’s a whole library. The library of Scripture is a rich compilation of many different types of writings, from many different places, penned and passed down by many different authors over the course of a a millenium. While the content of the Bible may have been physically written and edited by humans, we believe that it is still divinely inspired or “God-breathed” to use language from Paul’s letter to Timothy, and that it is one unified picture that points to Jesus as the Savior of mankind.
One of the beautiful and interesting things about the Scriptures of Christianity is that, unlike other world religions, God didn’t hand the entire vast library of the Bible down as one ornate, golden scroll. He didn’t whisper secrets to the ears of a select few to write down in private. As He often does, God chose to partner with imperfect humans to enact His plan and purposes for the world.
NAVIGATING SCRIPTURE
BY STRUCTURE
The Torah is the name given to the first five books of the Bible om Genesis to Deuteronomy. This section is also known as the “Five Books of Moses” or the “Pentateuch,” which translates to “five scroll cases.” Traditionally, it’s believed that these books were written by Moses. The Torah covers the story of creation, God’s covenant with His people, and begins the journey towards Jesus.
The Hebrew Bible was divided into three parts: Torah, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim. This loosely translates to Law, Prophets, and Writings. The Hebrew Bible is also referred to as the Tanakh (Ta + Na + Kh) in Hebrew. This second section, Nevi’im, tells the story of the rise of the Jewish monarchy. It’s marked by equent criticism of unethical or immoral behavior by the ruling elite.
The Ketuvim, or Writings, are the final section of the Tanakh (or the Traditional Hebrew Bible). It contains mostly poetry, but also serves as a sort of catch-all for books that don’t fit in either of the previous sections. The Ketuvim includes books like Psalms, Proverbs, and Job, but also includes books like Ruth, Chronicles, and Daniel.
The four books included in the New Testament of the Christian Bible that detail the life and deeds of Jesus as an episodic narrative are referred to as the “Gospels,” which is an Old-English adaptation of a Greek word meaning “Good News.” While they share a similar outline, each of the four writings contributes a unique perspective on the life and ministry of Jesus.
The word“epistle” comes directly om the Greek word for “letter.” The New Testament's epistles are primarily written by spiritual leaders in the first and second centuries to individuals or groups of Christians. While not every author is known, Paul contributed the majority of these writings; compiling 13 letters om Romans to Philemon.
The “Book of Revelation” or the “Apocalypse of John” or the “Revelation to John” is a unique but important writing in the Christian Bible. The title is derived om the Greek word apokalypsis, meaning “to unveil” or “to uncover.” A broad view of interpretations exist on the meaning of the fantastic symbols and imagery present in this text.
Creation & Covenant
Prologue Patriarchs
Creation
Adam & Eve Noah
The Nations
nd
Wilderness & Promised Land
United Kingdom Divided Kingdom
Exodous Joshua Conquest Judges David & Solomon
Abraham Isaac & Jacob Moses
Southern Kingdom: Judah Fall
Northern Kingdom: Israel
Jesus & T he Way
Assyrian Exile Babylonian Exile
Return Ezra & Nehemiah Jesus
The Church New Creation Judgment
NAVIGATING SCRIPTURE
BY GENRE
Narrative passages present a re-telling of events. While narrative sections can include moral lessons, not everything you read in a narrative passage is prescriptive sometimes they are simply descriptive. Narrative books include Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ruth & Esther.
Legal text can be dry, but it is still important. While legal text doesn’t read like narrative, the information is vital in understanding God’s covenant with the people of Israel. Examples include the last half of Exodus, and all of Leviticus and Deuteronomy.
Biblical poetry can mark important events, appeal to reason, portray feelings, and urge action. While some devices, like metaphor, remain accessible to modern readers, others can be lost when translated to English. Poetic passages also exist inside of other genres. Examples: Psalms, Song of Solomon, and Lamentations.
Wisdom literature is similar to poetry in it’s scope, but doesn’t employ the same structure or devices. Wisdom literature raises important questions about values, morality, ethics, and the meaning of life. Examples include Job, portions of Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. Some books can feature multiple genres.
While all of the Bible’s predictions about the future are a part of the prophecy genre, not all of prophecy is predictions about the future. In fact, much of the writing in this genre served as a social critique of the political and religious ruling class of the day. Examples include Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel.
Apocalypse translates to “uncover” and this genre deals with something being uncovered that was not previously known. These events are o en revealed by a heavenly messenger and feature surreal imagery. The main books in this genre are Daniel and Revelation, but “apocalypses” happen elsewhere in Scripture.
Compiled accounts are similar to narrative and are a sort of ancient biography. These writings came about many years a er the events themselves took place, and authors compiled both oral and written sources to assemble a cohesive story. The four Gospels are the primary examples of compiled accounts.
Unlike narrative, the epistles or “letters” genre in the New Testament is primarily meant as instruction for the reader. Epistles were written with different audiences in mind, and o en assume that the reader is already fami liar with the topic. Examples include Romans, Hebrews, and James.
NAVIGATING SCRIPTURE BY AUDIENCE
Understanding some of the first intended audiences of various passages can enrich and deepen your ability to navigate the story of the Bible. This can also help you piece together the timelines and understand why a particular event may be significant within the overall story. Think: Moses, Joshua, Ruth, etc.
A er the “Ancient Jews” we enter the period of the first temple, built by King Solomon. This temple would replace the Tabernacle in the Sinai desert, as well as other local sanctuaries and altars. This finally gave the Jewish people a new formal setting for sacrifice and assembly. Think: David, Solomon, etc.
At the direction of King Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and the temple and exiled (or deported) many Jews om their native lands into Babylon. This period of exile is an important event in Jewish history and the topic of many scriptural passages. Think: Esther, Daniel, Lamentations.
Once the Babylonians were conquered by the Persians, King Cyrus allowed many Jews to return to Judah and begin reconstruction on the temple. The second temple started around 515-516 BC and lasted up to the time of Jesus and ended in 70 AD. Think: Ezra, Nehemiah.
Starting in the New Testament, passages written to individuals begin to appear. These writings were o en written to individuals, or individuals within a group, who may not have already believed that Jesus was the Messiah, as an attempt to convince the reader. Think: Romans, Hebrews, Luke.
Many of the epistles in the New Testament assume that the reader is familiar with the life and ministry of Jesus and function primarily as a form of instruction or correction for His followers. Think: Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians.
HOW TO NAVIGATE SCRIPTURE FOR YOURSELF
Ask yourself questions about the structure, genres, and audience(s) of the passage. Use any available tools and historical context to inform your reading.
2
EXAMINE THE CONTENT
Observe what the author is emphasizing or trying to get you to pay attention to. How do the language and imagery inform your understanding of the text?
CONNECT THE DOTS
How does this passage or story connect to the overall story of the Bible? How does it connect to other passages? How does is connect to Jesus?
Pray and ask God how your new understanding of this passage should inform your day-to-day living. You can also refer to commentary and seek wise counsel.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
“READ SCRIPTURE” APP
A helpful Bible-reading tool created by the Bible Project to make reading the Bible interesting and easy. Available to download for free on Apple & Android App Stores
BIBLE PROJECT VIDEOS
Some of the most helpful tools around for understanding the themes, genres and structures of the Bible. Available to watch for free on YouTube.
CHRONOLOGICAL LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE
A helpful Bible-study tool with plenty of historical context, maps and pictures. Available for purchase online.
HOW TO READ THE BIBLE FOR ALL ITS WORTH
An important work by notable scholars Douglas Stuart and Gordon D. Fee. Available for purchase online.
HOW TO READ THE BIBLE BOOK BY BOOK
Another important work by notable Douglas Stuart and Gordon D. Fee. Available for purchase online.
Genesis 1-3, Psalm 1
Genesis 4-7, Psalm 2
Genesis 8-11, Psalm 3
Genesis 12-15, Palm 4
Genesis 16-18, Psalm 5
Genesis 19-21, Psalm 6
Genesis 22-24, Psalm 7
Genesis 25-28, Psalm 8
Genesis 29-31, Psalm 9
Genesis 32-34, Psalm 10
Genesis 35-37, Psalm 11
Genesis 38-40, Psalm 12
Genesis 41-42, Psalm 13
Genesis 43-45, Psalm 14
Genesis 46-47, Psalm 15
Genesis 48-50, Psalm 16
Exodus 1-3, Psalm 17
Exodus 4-6, Psalm 18
Exodus 7-9, Psalm 19
Exodus, 10-12, Psalm 20
Exodus 13-15, Psalm 21
Exodus 16-18, Psalm 22
Exodus 19-21, Psalm 23
Exodus 22-24, Psalm 24
Exodus 25-27, Psalm 25
Exodus 28-29, Psalm 26
Exodus 30-31, Pslam 27
Exodus 32-34, Psalm 28
Exodus 35-40, Psalm 29
Leviticus 1-4, Psalm 30
Leviticus 5-7, Psalm 31
Leviticus 8-10, Psalm 32
Leviticus 11-13, Psalm 33
Leviticus 14-15, Psalm 34
Leviticus 16-18, Psalm 35
Leviticus 19-20, Psalm 36
Leviticus 21-23, Psalm 37
Leviticus 24-25, Psalm 38
Leviticus 26-27, Psalm 39
Numbers 1-4, Psalm 40
Numbers 5-7, Psalm 41
Numbers 8-10, Psalm 42
Numbers 11-13, Psalm 43
Number 14-16, Psalm 44
Numbers 17-18, Psalm 45
Numbers 19-21, Psalm 46
Numbers 22-24, Psalm 47
Numbers 25-27, Psalm 48 Numbers 28-30, Psalm 49
Numbers 28-30, Psalm 49
Numbers 31-32, Psalm 50
Numbers 33-34, Psalm 51
Numbers 35-36, Psalm 52
Deut. 1-3, Psalm 53
Deut. 4-6, Psalm 54
Deut. 7-9, Psalm 55
Deut. 10-12, Psalm 56
Deut. 13-14, Psalm 57
Deut.15-16, Psalm 58
Deut. 17-20, Psalm 59
Deut. 21-23, Psalm 60
Deut. 24-27, Psalm 61
Deut. 28-29, Psalm 62
Deut. 30-31, Psalm 63
Deut. 32-34, Psalm 64
Joshua 1-4, Psalm 65
Joshua 5-8, Psalm 66
Joshua 9-12, Psalm 67
Joshua 13-21, Psalm 68
Joshua 22-24, Psalm 69
Judges 1-3, Psalm 70
Judges 4-5, Psalm 71
Judges 6-8, Psalm 72
Judges 9-12, Psalm 73
Judges 13-15, Psalm 74
Judges 16-18, Psalm 75
Judges 19-21, Psalm 76
Ruth 1-4, Psalm 77
1 Samuel 1-3, Psalm 78
1 Samuel 4-8, Psalm 79
1 Samuel 9-12, Psalm 80
1 Samuel 13-14, Psalm 81
1 Samuel 15-17, Psalm 82
1 Samuel 18-20, Psalm 83
1 Samuel 21-24, Psalm 84
1 Samuel 25-27, Psalm 85
1 Samuel 28-21, Psalm 86
2 Samuel 1-3, Psalm 87
2 Samuel 4-8, Psalm 88
2 Samuel 9-12, Psalm 89
2 Samuel 13-15, Psalm 90
2 Samuel 16-18, Psalm 91
2 Samuel 19-21, Psalm 92
2 Samuel 22-24, Psalm 93
1 Kings 1-3, Psalm 94
1 Kings 4-7, Psalm 95
1 Kings 8-10, Psalm 96
1 Kings 11-13, Psalm 97
1 Kings 14-16, Psalm 98
1 Kings 17-19, Psalm 99
1 Kings 20-22, Psalm 100
2 Kings 1-3, Psalm 101
2 Kings 4-7, Psalm 102
2 Kings 8-11, Psalm 103
2 Kings 12-14, Psalm 104
2 Kings 15-17, Psalm 105
2 Kings 18-19, Psalm 106
2 Kings 20-22, Psalm 107
2 Kings 23-25, Psalm 108
Isaiah 1-4, Psalm 109
Isaiah 5-8, Psalm 110
Isaiah 9-12, Psalm 111
Isaiah 13-17, Psalm 112
Isaiah 18-22, Psalm 113
Isaiah 23-27, Psalm 114
Isaiah 28-30, Psalm 115
Isaiah 31-35, Psalm 116
Isaiah 36-38, Psalm 117
Isaiah 39-41, Psalm 118
Isaiah 42-44, Psalm 119:1-32
Isaiah 45-48, Psalm 119:33-64
Isaiah 49-51, Psalm 119:65-96
Isaiah 52-54, Psalm 119:97-128
Isaiah 55-57, Psalm 119:129-152
Isaiah 58-60, Psalm 119:153-176
Isaiah 61-64, Psalm 120
Isaiah 65-66, Psalm 121
Hosea 1-5, Psalm 122
Hosea 6-10, Psalm 123
Hosea 11-14, Psalm 124
Joel 1-3, Psalm 125
Amos 1-5, Psalm 126
Amos 6-9, Psalm 127
Obadiah 1, Psalm 128
Jonah 1-4, Psalm 129
Micah 1-4, Psalm 130
Micah 5-7, Psalm 131
Nahum 1-3, Psalm 132
Habakkuk 1-3, Psalm 133
Zephaniah 1-3, Psalm 134
Job 1-3, Psalm 135
Job 4-7, Psalm 136
Job 8-11, Psalm 137
Job 12-15, Psalm 138
Job 16-19, Psalm 139
Job 20-23, Psalm 140
Job 24-28, Psalm 141
Job 29-31, Psalm 142
Job 32-34, Psalm 143
Job 35-37, Psalm 144
Job 38-39m Psalm 145
Job 40-42, Psalm 146
Psalm 1-2, Psalm 147
Proverbs 1-3, Psalm 148
Proverbs 4-6, Psalm 149
Proverbs 7-9, Psalm 150
Proverbs 10-12, Pslam 1
Proverbs 13-15, Psalm 2
Proverbs 16-18, Psalm 3
Proverbs 19-21, Psalm 4
Proverbs 22-24, Psalm 5
Proverbs 25-27, Psalm 6
Proverbs 28-31, Psalm 7
Ecclesiastes 1-4, Psalm 8
Ecclesiastes 5-8, Psalm 9
Ecclesiastes 9-12, Psalm 10
Song of Sol 1-4, Psalm 11
Song of Sol 5-8, Psalm 12
Jeremiah 1-3, Psalm 13
Jeremiah 4-6, Psalm 14
Jeremiah 7-9, Psalm 15
Jeremiah 10-13, Psalm 16
Jeremiah 14-17, Psalm 17
Jeremiah 18-22, Psalm 18
Jeremiah 23-25, Psalm 19
Jeremiah 26-29, Psalm 20
Jeremiah 30-32, Psalm 21
Jeremiah 33-36, Psalm 22
Jeremiah 37-39, Psalm 23
Jeremiah 40-44, Psalm 24
Jeremiah 45-48, Psalm 25
Jeremiah 49-50, Psalm 26
Jeremiah 51-52, Psalm 27
Lamentations 1-2, Psalm 28
Lamentations 3, Psalm 29
Lamentations 4-5, Psalm 30
Ezekiel 1-4, Psalm 31
Ezekiel 5-8, Psalm 32
Ezekiel 9-12, Pslam 33
Ezekiel 13-15, Psalm 34
Ezekiel 16-18, Psalm 35
Ezekiel 19-21, Psalm 36
Ezekiel 22-24, Psalm 37
Ezekiel 25-27, Psalm 38
Ezekiel 28-30, Psalm 39
Ezekiel 31-33, Psalm 40
Ezekiel 34-36, Psalm 41
Ezekiel 37-39, Psalm 42
Ezekiel 40-44, Psalm 43
Ezekiel 45-48, Psalm 44
Ezra 1-3, Psalm 45
Ezra 4-7, Psalm 46
Ezra 8-10, Pslam 47
Nehemiah 1-3, Psalm 48
Nehemiah 4-6, Psalm 49
Nehemiah 7-9, Psalm 50
Nehemiah 10-11, Psalm 51
Nehemiah 12-13, Psalm 52
Esther 1-5, Psalm 53
Esther 6-10, Psalm 54
Daniel 1-3, Psalm 55
Daniel 4-6, Psalm 56
Daniel 7-9, Psalm 57
Daniel 10-12, Psalm 58
Haggai 1-2, Psalm 59
Zechariah 1-4, Psalm 60
Zechariah 5-8, Psalm 61
Zechariah 9-14, Psalm 62
Malachi 1-2, Psalm 63
Malachi 3-4, Psalm 64
1 Chronicles 1-10, Psalm 65
1 Chronicles 11-14, Psalm 66
1 Chronicles 15-17, Psalm 67
1 Chronicles 18-21, Psalm 68
1 Chronicles 22-24, Psalm 69
1 Chronicles 25-29, Psalm 70
2 Chronicles 1-4, Psalm 71
2 Chronicles 5-8, Psalm 72
2 Chronicles 9-12, Psalm 73
2 Chronicles 13-17, Psalm 74
2 Chronicles 18-20, Psalm 75
2 Chronicles 21-24, Psalm 76
2 Chronicles 25-27, Psalm 77
2 Chronicles 28-31, Psalm 78
2 Chronicles 32-34, Psalm 79
2 Chronicles 35-36, Psalm 80
Matthew 1-2, Psalm 81
Matthew 3-4, Psalm 82
Matthew 5-6, Psalm 83
Matthew 7-8, Psalm 84
Matthew 9-10, Psalm 85
Matthew 11-12, Psalm 86
Matthew 13-14, Psalm 87
Matthew 15-16, Psalm 88
Matthew 17-18, Psalm 89
Matthew 19-20, Psalm 90
Matthew 21-22, Psalm 91
Matthew 23-24, Psalm 92
Matthew 25-26, Psalm 93
Matthew 27-28, Psalm 94
Mark 1-2, Psalm 95
Mark 3-4, Psalm 96
Mark 5-6, Psalm 97
Mark 7-8, Psalm 98
Mark 9-10, Psalm 99
Mark 11-12, Psalm 100
Mark 13-14, Psalm 101
Mark 15-16, Psalm 102
John 1-2, Psalm 103
John 3-4, Psalm 104
John 5-6, Psalm 105
John 7-8, Psalm 106
John 9-10, Psalm 107
John 11-12, Psalm 108
John 13-15, Psalm 109
John 16-18, Psalm 110
John 19-21, Psalm 111
Luke 1, Psalm 112
Luke 2-3, Psalm 113
Luke 4-5, Psalm 114
Luke 6-7, Psalm 115
Luke 8-9, Psalm 116
Luke 10-11, Psalm 117
Luke 12-13, Psalm 118
Luke 14-16, Psalm 119:1-32
Luke 17-18, Psalm 119:33-64
Luke 19-20, Psalm 119:65-96
Luke 21-22, Psalm 119:97-128
Luke 23-24, Psalm 119:129-152
Acts 1-2, Psalm 119:153-176
Acts 3-4, Psalm 120
Acts 5-6, Psalm 121
Acts 7-8, Psalm 122
Acts 9-10, Psalm 123
Acts 11-12, Psalm 124
Acts 13-14, Psalm 125
Acts 15-16, Psalm 126
Acts 17-18, Psalm 127
Acts 19-20, Psalm 128
Acts 21-22, Psalm 129
Acts 23-24, Psalm 130
Acts 25-26, Psalm 131
Acts 27-28, Psalm 132
Romans 1-2, Psalm 133
Romans 3-4, Psalm 134
Romans 5-6, Psalm 135
Romans 7-8, Psalm 136
Romans 9-10, Psalm 137
Romans 11-12, Psalm 138
Romans 13-14, Psalm 139
Romans 15-16, Psalm 140
1 Corinthians 1-2, Psalm 141
1 Corinthians 3-4, Psalm 142
1 Corinthians 5-6, Psalm 143
1 Corinthians 7-8, Psalm 144
1 Corinthians 9-10, Psalm 145
1 Corinthians 11-12, Psalm 146
1 Corinthians 13-14, Psalm 147
1 Corinthians 15-16, Psalm 148
2 Corinthians 1-2, Psalm 149
2 Corinthians 3-4, Psalm 150
2 Corinthians 5-6, Psalm 1
2 Corinthians 7-8, Psalm 2
2 Corinthians 9-10, Psalm 3
2 Corinthians 11-13, Psalm 4
Galatians 1-2, Psalm 5
Galatians 3-4, Psalm 6
Galatians 5-6, Psalm 7
Ephesians 1-2, Psalm 8
Ephesians 3-4, Psalm 9
Ephesians 5-6, Psalm 10
Philippians 1-2, Psalm 11
Philippians 3-4, Psalm 12
Colossians 1-2, Psalm 13
Colossians 3-4, Psalm 14
1 Thessalonians 1-2, Psalm 15
1 Thessalonians 3-4, Psalm 16
1 Thessalonians 5, Psalm 17
2 Thessalonians 1-3, Psalm 18
1 Timothy 1-2, Psalm 19
1 Timothy 3-4, Psalm 20
1 Timothy 5-6, Psalm 21
2 Timothy 1-4, Psalm 22
Titus 1-3, Psalm 23
Philemon 1, Psalm 24
Hebrews 1-2, Psalm 25
Hebrews 3-4, Psalm 26
Hebrews 5-6, Psalm 27
Hebrews 7-8, Psalm 28
Hebrews 9-10, Psalm 29
Hebrews 11-13, Psalm 30
James 1-3, Psalm 31
James 4-5, Psalm 32
1 Peter 1-2, Psalm 33
1 Peter 3-5, Psalm 34
2 Peter 1-3, Psalm 35
1 John 1-2, Psalm 36
1 John 3-5, Psalm 37 2, 3 John, Psalm 38
Jude 1, Psalm 39
Revelation 1-3, Psalm 40
Revelation 4-6, Psalm 41
Revelation 7-9, Psalm 42
Revelation 10-11, Psalm 43
Revelation 12-13, Psalm 44
Revelation 14-16, Psalm 45
Revelation 17-18, Psalm 46
Revelation 19-20, Psalm 47
Revelation 21-22, Psalm 48