Babylonian Captivity: Difference between revisions
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===3rd Babylonian Captivity (586 B.C.)=== | ===3rd Babylonian Captivity (586 B.C.)=== | ||
Zedekiah, the last king of the Kingdom of Judah, ignored God’s warnings to surrender to Babylon. Upon ascending the throne, he allied with the pro-Egyptian faction in an attempt to resist Babylonian rule. As the political situation worsened, Zedekiah sought the prophet Jeremiah’s intercession, asking him to pray to God However, Jeremiah conveyed God Elohim’s will, which commanded submission to the Babylonian king, and urged surrender.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+21%3A1-14&version=NIV |title=Jeremiah 21:1–14 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+27%3A1-22&version=NIV |title=Jeremiah 27:1–22 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> In contrast, the false prophet Hananiah opposed Jeremiah’s message, falsely proclaiming that God would overthrow Babylon within two years.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2028&version=NIV |title=Jeremiah 28 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> | Zedekiah, the last king of the Kingdom of Judah, ignored God’s warnings to surrender to Babylon. Upon ascending the throne, he allied with the pro-Egyptian faction in an attempt to resist Babylonian rule. As the political situation worsened, Zedekiah sought the prophet Jeremiah’s intercession, asking him to pray to God. However, Jeremiah conveyed God Elohim’s will, which commanded submission to the Babylonian king, and urged surrender.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+21%3A1-14&version=NIV |title=Jeremiah 21:1–14 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+27%3A1-22&version=NIV |title=Jeremiah 27:1–22 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> In contrast, the false prophet Hananiah opposed Jeremiah’s message, falsely proclaiming that God would overthrow Babylon within two years.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2028&version=NIV |title=Jeremiah 28 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> | ||
Ultimately, around 586 B.C., the Kingdom of Judah—having rejected God’s guidance and ignored Jeremiah’s warnings—was conquered and destroyed by Babylon. The temple and royal palace were burned down, and all sacred temple articles were looted. The devastation resulted in the deaths of millions and the captivity of hundreds of thousands. King Zedekiah was also taken to Babylon after having his eyes gouged out, where he met his end.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+25%3A4-16&version=NIV |title=2 Kings 25:4–16 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Those who were misled by false prophets and disregarded the words of the true prophet suffered dire consequences. In contrast, those who followed the will of God Elohim were spared and, in some cases, attained material success. After the captivity, they returned to their homeland and took part in rebuilding the temple and the city. | Ultimately, around 586 B.C., the Kingdom of Judah—having rejected God’s guidance and ignored Jeremiah’s warnings—was conquered and destroyed by Babylon. The temple and royal palace were burned down, and all sacred temple articles were looted. The devastation resulted in the deaths of millions and the captivity of hundreds of thousands. King Zedekiah was also taken to Babylon after having his eyes gouged out, where he met his end.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+25%3A4-16&version=NIV |title=2 Kings 25:4–16 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Those who were misled by false prophets and disregarded the words of the true prophet suffered dire consequences. In contrast, those who followed the will of God Elohim were spared and, in some cases, attained material success. After the captivity, they returned to their homeland and took part in rebuilding the temple and the city. | ||
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King Artaxerxes granted Ezra permission to return and issued a decree allowing any Israelite who wished to join him in returning to Jerusalem. Offerings designated for use in the temple of God were entrusted to Ezra for transport. Additionally, the decree stated that priests and others serving in the temple of God would be exempt from taxation. The people were to be judged and instructed in accordance with [[Law of God|God’s law]], and individuals who failed to follow the commands of God and the king would face appropriate punishment. | King Artaxerxes granted Ezra permission to return and issued a decree allowing any Israelite who wished to join him in returning to Jerusalem. Offerings designated for use in the temple of God were entrusted to Ezra for transport. Additionally, the decree stated that priests and others serving in the temple of God would be exempt from taxation. The people were to be judged and instructed in accordance with [[Law of God|God’s law]], and individuals who failed to follow the commands of God and the king would face appropriate punishment. | ||
With God’s help, Ezra gathered those wishing to return to Judah, bringing offerings and sacred vessels for the temple. Before departing for Jerusalem, he discovered that there were no [[Levite|Levites]] among the second wave of returnees to serve in the temple. Ezra then sought out descendants of the Levites and persuaded them to join the journey. A group of approximately 2,000, including priests, descendants of | With God’s help, Ezra gathered those wishing to return to Judah, bringing offerings and sacred vessels for the temple. Before departing for Jerusalem, he discovered that there were no [[Levite|Levites]] among the second wave of returnees to serve in the temple. Ezra then sought out descendants of the Levites and persuaded them to join the journey. A group of approximately 2,000, including priests, descendants of King [[David]], Levites, and others, set out for Jerusalem. They [[Fasting|fasted]] and prayed for God’s protection, and their prayers were answered, allowing them to reach Jerusalem safely.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra+8%3A1-23&version=NIV |title=Ezra 8:1–23 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> | ||
===3rd Return and Nehemiah (444 B.C.)=== | ===3rd Return and Nehemiah (444 B.C.)=== | ||