The Exile
This was the period when the Jewish people became Babylonian captives. The period is said to have started in 586 BC during the demolition of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. It led to the loss of independence and the Exile of a particular portion of the population, resulting in the emergence of two Jewish communities: those that remained in Judah and those in Exile.
There was also a fall in the Davidic dynasty. The Babylonian invasion brought a lot of suffering to the Jews. Despite the challenges, they were forced to adapt to Babylonian culture but could preserve their religious practices. The worsening situation raised many questions that needed the reconsideration of God’s intentions for the people of Jerusalem.
The Community in Judah
Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, appointed Gedaliah as the leader of the people left in Judah. Judah had remained independent from the regional government of Babylon. After the appointment of Gedaliah, it was changed to become part of the Babylonian Empire.
Gedaliah set up his court at Mizpah, where he carried out all his duties, giving much concern to the damaged parts of Judah, which had inadequate governance with limited resources. The leaders of Babylon tried to reduce this problem. The Royal guard’s captain, Nebuzaradan, divided the territory among the low-class people left in the land.
A force of soldiers was also sent to help Gedaliah. The Jewish people stuck to some of their religious practices and practiced them at the altar of the Jerusalem temple, even though it had been damaged. Ishmael later killed Gedaliah in his attempt to overthrow his leadership.
Unfortunately, the coup attempt did not succeed since other army components guided by Johanan Ben Kereah mediated. However, Ishmael ran to Amnon while Johanan and Jeremiah, with other Jewish officials, fled to Egypt for fear of the rise of Babylon after the murder of Gedaliah. Therefore, as retaliation for the massacre of Jews, the Babylonians deported another set of Jews.
The Community in Babylon
A significant population has taken to Babylon as captives settled by the river of Chebar. Jeremiah encouraged them to construct their homes and till and plant their farms. They were also to establish healthy social relationships in their new homes.
The cruel Merodach, King of Babylon, freed Jehoiachin, King of Judah, from prison as soon as he began to rule. He gave him a place in his royal court. The captives were provided with all the security they needed.
Despite having a peaceful environment, they could not stop thinking about their original homeland to practice their religious norms. Nonetheless, those in Egypt settled at Tahpanhes, Migdol, Noph, and Pathros. Those who participated in the massive demonstrations demonstrated how they adapted well to the new land. They built a temple and practiced everyday religious practices. In addition, they worshiped Idols, which made God bitter for these people. The scattering of Jews later facilitated the spread of Christianity.
The Prophets of Exile and Return to the Land of Judah
Each king in antiquity wanted to leave his mark on the holy city of Babylon by ruling over it. Among the kings were Darius 1, Xerxes, and Artaxerxes 1. The Babylonian captivity came to an end when Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon.
The Jews were Free to move back to the land of Judah, while others decided to remain in Babylon. Cyrus ordered the return of the Silver vessels Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the Jerusalem temple. Being led by Sheshbazzar, the new temple was constructed. During this period, two Jewish leaders emerged, Zerubabbel and Joshua. Motivated by the omens of Haggai and Zechariah, they aided the Jews in completing and dedicating the temple’s reconstruction.
The province of Judah was divided into satrapies. Judah faced opposition from Samaria since their governor, Sanballat, was Nehemiah’s enemy. The Israelites assembled in Jerusalem to reaffirm their covenant with God when the wall enclosing Jerusalem was finished.
Ezra appeared to read the Law to the people since he was a scribe. They cried as they heard the Law. However, Nehemiah chastised them for their grief.
In addition, the Hellenistic period is characterized by the division of Alexander’s former empire and the never-ending wars between the Diadochi and their successors. Alexander fought and overthrew the Persian Empire, led by Darius. Alexander passed away within a few years, yet the Hellenic influence persisted in Judea for generations. His generals fought to gain control over his empire as the Jewish population rose drastically.
Judea fell under the Ptolemies of Egypt. Antiochus Epiphanes attempted to impose Greek culture and destroy the Jewish religion, a deadly move since the Jews tried to resist. He gave the order to rob the temple. Jerusalem’s defenses were dismantled, and a garrison was installed in a fort on the desecrated Temple Mount. The small amount of temple worship that had been conducted was quickly discontinued. The Jews resisted these changes instead of obediently accepting the orders.
Ptolemic troops collected the residents of the little town of Modin and ordered the elderly priest Mattathias to sacrifice an animal to a heathen god. Despite being given the death threat, Mattathias declined. A second priest agreed to comply with the soldier’s request.
A furious Mattathias grabbed a sword and slashed the priest and the Syrian officer as the weaker priest raised the knife. As Mattathias and his five sons escaped to the hills, they pleaded with Judah to follow them. The uprising has started.
As the Jews turned on the despised Syrians, it raged throughout the country and gathered support from all sides. When Antiochus took the uprising seriously, he had to deal with a disaffected populace. Mattathias later died, and Judas took over. Jews took control of the Jerusalem temple, purified it, and rededicated it to God.
Bibliography
Brisco. Holman Bible Atlas: A Complete Guide to the Expansive Geography of Biblical History. Zaltbommel, Netherlands: Van Haren Publishing, 2014.