Journey of the Patriarchs

Ur of Chaldeans → Haran

24 BCE

Terah, father of Abram, Haran, and Nahor decided to move the family from their home in Ur of the Chaldeans, north to Haran.

"Leave Your Country"

23 BCE

While in Haran, "The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you." Genesis 1:12 So, Abram went where God led him.

Abram and Lot Part Ways

22 BCE

Due to their excessive wealth and possessions, Abram and Lot had to part ways, leaving the land that could no longer support them. Lot was given the decision on which way to go and he chose the side of Sodom while Abram got Canaan.

Abram is Blessed

21 BCE

Abram is blessed by Melchizedek. God promises Abram a great people, great land, great nation, and that he will be a blessing to all.

Ishmael is Born

20 BCE

Sarai, Abram's wife, gives her handmaiden Hagar to birth a child for Abram. Abram lies with Hagar and she gives birth to Ishmael, the first son of Abram although he was not heir to the covenant promises.

Abraham Saves Lot and His Family from Sodom

19 BCE

After God revealed his plans for Sodom to Abraham, Abraham pleaded with God to save Sodom if he found just ten righteous people. Although this did not happen, God did send his angels to save Lot and his family from the destruction of Sodom.

Isaac is Born

18 BCE

After three men visit Abraham and Sarah prophesying the birth of a son from Sarah's womb, she does in fact give birth to a son. His name was Isaac, the second son of Abraham who was to be the heir to the covenant promises.

Abraham is Told to Sacrifice Isaac

17 BCE

God tells Abraham to sacrifice his second-born son, Isaac, heir to the covenant promises in order to prove his loyalty and faith in God. Right before plunging the knife down, the voice of God stopped Abraham and a ram appeared in the nearby bushes.

Isaac m. Rebekah

16 BCE

Abraham sent his Cheif Servent to go and find a wife for Isaac in Abraham's home country, Haran. His servant returned with the daughter of Bethuel, sister of Laban, Rebekah.

Abraham Dies

15 BCE

Abraham dies and is buried with his wife Sarah in the Cave of Machpelah.

Rebekah Gives Brith to Twins

14 BCE

Isaac prays for his barren wife, Rebekah, to bear a child and Rebekah becomes pregnant. She gives birth to twins, Esau, the older, and Jacob, the younger.

Jacob Bargains for Esau's Birthright

13 BCE

One day, when Esau was returning from a hunting trip, he began complaining of being famished; very hungry. So, he asked his brother Jacob for some food, and Jacob said he would give him food but only if Esau would sell his birthright, which he did.

Jacob Deceives his Father

12 BCE

Isaac plans to give his blessing to his favorite son Esau, but when Rebekah hears this, she helps her favorite son, Jacob, trick Isaac into giving Jacob his blessing. Jacob covers his body in goatskin so he will be hairy and wears Esau's clothes so he will smell like Esau.

Jacob m. Rachel

11 BCE

After tricking his father into blessing him, Jacob fled to his Uncle Laban's house to escape his brother's wrath, who had threatened to kill him. When he arrived in Haran, he met his Uncle's family, one person, Rachel caught his eye. He fell in love and married her, after first accidentally marrying her older sister, Leah.

Rachel Gives Birth to Joseph

10 BCE

After Jacob had fathered 10 children to other women, (Leah, Bilhah, Zilpah), Rachel finally gave birth to Joseph. Joseph was Jacob's 11th and favorite son.

Joseph's Dreams

9 BCE

Joseph has two dreams about his brothers and his family bowing down to him. In one of his dreams his sheaf rises up and 11 others bow down to him and in his second dream the sun, moon, and the stars bow down to him.

Joseph's Brothers Sell Him

8 BCE

After hearing about Joseph's dreams, they planned to kill him but Reuben took up for his brother and Judah, the leader of the pack, decided to rather sell him to a group of passing Ishmaelites.

Joseph is Thrown in Prison

7 BCE

After being falsely accused of rape by Potiphar's wife, Joseph is thrown in prison. While in prison, Joseph interprets the dreams of two of the prisoners, the king's cupbearer and the baker.

Pharaoh's Dreams

6 BCE

2 years after Joseph had been thrown in prison, Pharaoh had a dream about cows and grain. Seeking someone to interpret the dreams, the cupbearer suggested he go to Joseph, which ultimately resulted in Joseph's release from prison and promotion to second only to the Pharaoh.

Joseph Prepares for the Famine

5 BCE

After determining the meaning of Pharaoh's dreams to be the prediction of 7 years of famine and 7 years of abundance, Joseph was put in charge of preparations. During the 7 years of abundance, Joseph gathered food for the 7 years of famine.

Joseph's Brothers Come to Egypt

4 BCE

During the famine, Joseph's brothers came to Egypt in order to purchase food to sustain their families during the famine. When they arrived, they did recognize Joseph, he told them to return home and bring back their youngest brother to prove to him that they were not spies. He returned their silver to their sacks, gave them food, and sent them on their way.

Josephs's Brothers Return to Egypt

3 BCE

A while later, Joseph's brothers return to Egypt with their youngest brother, Benjamin. Joseph invites them to his household and sneaks his silver cup into Benjamin's bag. He would later catch them "stealing" and they would return once more.

Joseph Tells his Brothers the Truth

2 BCE

When Joseph's brothers return on the accusation of theft, Joseph plans to let everyone go home except Benjamin. After Judah offers to take Benjamin's place, Joseph sees that his brothers have changed and decides to tell them the truth of who he is.

Joseph's Family Moves to Goshen

1 BCE

Joseph invites his family to move to Goshen, a northern region of Egypt so they will be close to him and he can care for them. Due to Joseph's status, the Pharaoh welcomes his family into Egypt, even though they were shepherds.