The exile to Babylon was the judgment of God upon Judah for persistent rebellion, idolatry, and rejection of His prophets. For centuries, God warned His people through messengers, but they hardened their hearts. 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 says, “The Lord God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers… but they mocked the messengers of God… till the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy.”
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, invaded Jerusalem, took captives, and eventually destroyed the temple and the city in 586 B.C. 2 Kings 25:9-10 records the destruction: “He burned the house of the Lord, the king’s house… and all the houses of Jerusalem.”
Among the captives were Daniel, Ezekiel, and many others. Though they lived in a foreign land, God remained with them. He gave Daniel wisdom and favor in the king’s court (Daniel 1:17-20), and revealed future events through visions and dreams.
The exile lasted seventy years, as foretold by the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah 25:11 says, “And this whole land shall be a desolation… and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.” Yet even in judgment, God gave hope. Jeremiah 29:10-11 promises, “After seventy years are completed… I will visit you and perform My good word toward you.”
The exile was a time of purification. Idolatry was rooted out, and the remnant returned with renewed reverence for the Law and the covenant. God’s faithfulness in preserving His people through exile stands as a testimony of both His justice and His mercy.
