Babylonian Captivity
EventsWhat is the meaning of Babylonian Captivity in the Bible?
The Babylonian Captivity denotes the historical period from 586 BCE to 539 BCE during which the Kingdom of Judah was conquered by the Neo-Babylonian Empire, resulting in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the subsequent exile of a significant portion of the population to Babylon.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this exile clarifies the historical context for the development of synagogue worship, the compilation of sacred texts, and the theological shifts evident in the prophetic books of Ezekiel and Jeremiah, which address the crisis of divine judgment and hope for restoration.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Babylonian Captivity in this passage?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.