Babylonian Captivity
In 612 B.C., the Assyrian empire fell to Babylon. The Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem, capturing it in 586 B.C. When Hebrews tried to resist Babylonian rule, the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed and thousands of Hebrews were taken as slaves. Hebrews that were exiled were forced to spend 48 years in Babylon. This period was called the Babylonian Captivity.
A series of Jewish exiles resulted from refusals to pay tribute to Nebuchadnezzar. Among those exiled was the king, Jehoiachin, his family, thousands of workers, and much of his court. Furthermore, during this period, Hebrews started being called Jews.
Throughout the Babylonian Captivity, Jews continued worship and all of their religious and cultural practices, hoping to one day rebuild their temple and return to their homeland in Judah. In dangerous times, prophets were called on to interpret God's messages and advise the people. These prophets kept hope and good spirit alive, and helped Jews maintain their culture throughout this difficult time.
Finally, when the Persian king Cyrus the Great, who was thought of as a great benefactor to the Jews, conquered Babylonia in 539 B.C., exiled Jews were allowed to return in 538 B.C., and the Temple was rebuilt. However, many Jews stayed in Babylon, as journeying back would be hard and dangerous whereas Babylon was a thriving and safe city for them to live in. Cyrus was a much more religiously tolerant king, and allowed the Jews religious freedom, restoring their nation and political significance.
A series of Jewish exiles resulted from refusals to pay tribute to Nebuchadnezzar. Among those exiled was the king, Jehoiachin, his family, thousands of workers, and much of his court. Furthermore, during this period, Hebrews started being called Jews.
Throughout the Babylonian Captivity, Jews continued worship and all of their religious and cultural practices, hoping to one day rebuild their temple and return to their homeland in Judah. In dangerous times, prophets were called on to interpret God's messages and advise the people. These prophets kept hope and good spirit alive, and helped Jews maintain their culture throughout this difficult time.
Finally, when the Persian king Cyrus the Great, who was thought of as a great benefactor to the Jews, conquered Babylonia in 539 B.C., exiled Jews were allowed to return in 538 B.C., and the Temple was rebuilt. However, many Jews stayed in Babylon, as journeying back would be hard and dangerous whereas Babylon was a thriving and safe city for them to live in. Cyrus was a much more religiously tolerant king, and allowed the Jews religious freedom, restoring their nation and political significance.