2 Timothy 2:15 -“Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.” ASV
THE ANTEDILUVIAN PERIOD:
This covers the period from creation to the great flood. “Ante” means before; “diluvian” refers to the flood.
THE POSTDILUVIAN PERIOD:
This covers the period from the Noachian flood to Abraham’s call in Genesis 12. “Post” obviously, means after or subsequent.
THE GREAT PATRIARCHAL PERIOD:
This period covers from the Abrahamic call to the descent into Egypt by Jacob’s family. Earlier patriarchs had lived but we know so much more about the quartet of patriarchs adorning the pages from Genesis 12 to Genesis 50.
THE EGYPTIAN PERIOD:
This encompasses the era from the descent into Egypt to the exodus. Some 430 years {some critics suggest 215 years} encompass this period.
THE PERIOD OF WANDERING:
Forty years covers this stirring period. Two miraculous water crossings adorn this period; crossing the Red Sea at the beginning of this period and crossing the swollen waters of the Jordan at this period’s end under recently ordained Joshua as new leader.
THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST:
This is the period of their initial entrance into Canaan till the appointment of the first judge, Othneil. Canaan is conquered and parceled out among nine and one-half half of the tribes in this period. Two and one-half of the tribes had received tribal inheritance under Moses in Eastern Palestine.
THE PERIOD OF THE JUDGES:
This is a lengthy period and covers from Othniel’s appointment as first judge to the establishment of the kingdom under the first king, Saul. There were fifteen judges — fourteen men and one woman judge constitute the “The Dark Ages of Hebrew History.”
THE PERIOD OF THE UNITED KINGDOM:
This is the era that covers the three reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon. Each ruled for forty years. This period begins with Saul’s inauguration and ends with the division triggered by Solomon’s apostate and sad demise.
THE PERIOD OF THE DIVIDED KINGDOM:
Covered here are the ebb and flow years when Judah {Southern Kingdom} and Israel {Northern Kingdom} existed side by side. This period lasted from approximately 975 BC to 722 BC. Each of the kingdoms had nineteen kings. David’s line kept the Southern throne except for Athaliah’s short reign. The Northern kingdom had several dynasties which emerged, reigned briefly and then faded the monarchial leadership role.
THE PERIOD OF JUDAH {i.e., Southern Kingdom} ALONE:
This covers approximately one hundred thirty-six years from the fall of Samaria to the Assyrians to Jerusalem’s fall to the Chaldeans {i.e., Babylonians} in 586 BC.
THE PERIOD OF THE CAPTIVITY:
This covers those years that Judah spent in Captivity in Babylon. This captivity cured their idolatrous inclinations.
Many interesting studies are found in this period regarding the faith of the Israelites such as Daniel, and the three Hebrew children.
THE PERIOD OF THE RESTORATION:
This period covers from Cyrus’ decree that they could return to Canaan to Nehemiah’s rebuilding the Jerusalem walls and Malachi’s writing the last book of the Old Testament.
THE FOUR HUNDRED SILENT YEARS:
This covers the four centuries from Nehemiah and Malachi to the announced birth of John and Jesus Christ. Many otherwise knowledgeable students of Sacred History know but little of this period and yet knowledge of this period enhances ones knowledge of New Testament events.
NOTE: The editor has some material that he has prepared for study of this period. If you would like to examine it just let me know.
THE PERIOD OF JESUS INCARNATION {i.e., earthly sojourn}:
This period covers from the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem to his ascension. Approximately one-third of a century is involved. Son of God and Son of man merged in Him who is our Glorious Savior and Majestic King.
THE PERIOD OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST:
This covers from Pentecost {Acts 2} till the end. This is earth’s final age. There will not be another as Premillennialists vainly envision. This is the period of time in which we live NOW!