Journal: Masters Seminary Journal
Volume: TMSJ 18:1 (Spring 2007)
Article: Inductive And Deductive Methods As Applied To OT Chronology
Author: Rodger C. Young

TMSJ 18:1 (Spring 2007) p. 99

Inductive And Deductive Methods As Applied To OT Chronology

Rodger C. Young^a

Constructing an OT chronology for the four and one-half centuries from the beginning of David’s reign to the release of Jehoiachin from prison is a formidable challenge. By following a deductive methodology of resolving the problem, nonevangelical critics of the Bible have proposed that the task is impossible because of errors in the OT text. By seeking a solution through starting with observations rather than presuppositions, an inductive approach is more complex, but obtains much more satisfactory results. Among evangelicals who have used an inductive method successfully are Edwin Thiele and Leslie McFall, whose works have achieved a long-sought-after rational explanation of the chronological data of the Hebrew monarchies, an achievement that demonstrates that the Scriptures were not written by late-date authors and editors who lived long after the events they described. The method of Decision Tables, described in the present article, adds to these solid accomplishments by producing a methodology by means of which all the possibilities that are inherent in the scriptural texts may be fully explored. Such an inductive methodology has made it possible to assemble 124 items of exact chronological data from Kings, Chronicles, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel into a consistent and harmonious chronology of a period of over 400 years. The methodology has been so successful that it has served as a corrective for some chronological problems in Assyrian and neo-Babylonian history.

* * * * *

TMSJ 18:1 (Spring 2007) p. 100

The Problem

From the beginning of the Davidic dynasty to the release of Jehoiachin from prison, mentioned at the end of 2 Kings, represents a period of about four and one-half centuries. For this time period, the books of Kings, Chronicles, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel provide over 120 dates, lengths of reign, and synchronisms that form the raw material for constructing a chronology of these times. For anyone who tries to assemble these data into a chronological scheme, it soon becomes clear that is a formidable task. Some older interpreters such as Martin Anstey1 handled the apparent discrepancies in the numbers by introducing interregna, that is, periods of time during which no king was assumed to be on the throne. This is like using scissors to fashion fill-in pieces as needed for a picture puzzle that otherwise does not seem to fit together. To the credit of such interpreters, they genuinely regarded the Bible as the Word of God, and their aim in writing was to explain the text and to strengthen the faith of God’s people by attempting to produce a harmonious chronology from the received text.<...