c. 1446 BC (early) / 1260 BC (late) · Exodus & Wanderings
The Exodus & Wilderness
The Exodus is the defining act of rescue in the Old Testament — the event Israel would tell and re-tell forever as the proof that the LORD is a God who saves. A family of seventy had become a nation of slaves in Egypt. Through Moses, God confronts Pharaoh with ten plagues, brings Israel out at Passover, and parts the sea to deliver them from the pursuing army. What began as a promise to Abraham becomes a people set free.
Freedom, however, is only the beginning. At Mount Sinai, God enters into covenant with the nation, giving the Ten Commandments and the law, and the pattern for the tabernacle where his presence will dwell among them. But the wilderness exposes the people's hearts: at Kadesh-barnea they refuse to enter the Promised Land, and that generation is sentenced to forty years of wandering until it passes away. The period closes with a new generation poised on the plains of Moab, Moses' final words of Deuteronomy ringing in their ears.
The date of the Exodus is the single most debated point in biblical chronology. The early-date view places it around 1446 BC, based on the 480 years of 1 Kings 6:1; the late-date view favors around 1260 BC, tied to archaeological readings of the period. We present both rather than asserting one as settled fact, and the dating-scheme toggle on the chart lets you switch between them. Theologically the period is foundational: redemption by blood at Passover, a people bound to God by covenant law, and God dwelling in the midst of his people — themes the New Testament will pick up directly in the work of Christ.
Written by the Selah Editorial Team. Dates are approximate; biblical chronology is debated and shown as ranges.
The Exodus & Wilderness on the timeline
Events of the The Exodus & Wilderness
The Exodus from Egypt
God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt under Moses. The single most debated date in biblical chronology (early vs late Exodus).
The Law Given at Sinai
God gives the Ten Commandments and the covenant law to Israel at Mount Sinai.
The Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua, Israel crosses the Jordan and takes the Promised Land, beginning with Jericho.
Key people of this period
Toggle the “People” layer on the chart above to see these lifespans laid out in time.
Key places of this period
Books covering this period
World context
New Kingdom Egypt was the dominant power of the age. Whether the Exodus falls under the 18th dynasty (early date) or the 19th under Rameses II (late date) is part of the chronological debate.
Frequently asked about the The Exodus & Wilderness
What happened during the Exodus and wilderness period?
God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt through Moses, gave the law and covenant at Mount Sinai, and led the people through forty years in the wilderness to the edge of the Promised Land.
When did the Exodus happen?
It is debated. The early-date view places it c. 1446 BC (from 1 Kings 6:1); the late-date view favors c. 1260 BC. This timeline shows both and lets you switch dating schemes rather than asserting one.
Why did Israel wander for forty years?
At Kadesh-barnea the people refused to enter Canaan after the spies' fearful report. As judgment, that generation wandered until it died out, and their children entered the land instead.
Preach & teach
Preach a series through the The Exodus & Wilderness.
Plan a series in Sermon Mate →