Prophets & Exile
Old TestamentThe Exile & Return
Jerusalem falls, and is rebuilt
The catastrophe that reshapes Israel's scriptures, and the slow rebuilding that follows.
Reading plan
How the story unfolds
- 1
The city falls
Jerusalem and the temple are destroyed.
- 2
By the rivers of Babylon
Exilic lament enters the psalter.
- 3
A decree to return
Cyrus permits a return and rebuilding.
- 4
Walls rebuilt
Nehemiah organises the reconstruction.
Context & interpretation
Historical context
The Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC and the later Persian policy of repatriation are both well attested outside the Bible.
Scriptured labels editorial context separately from Scripture, and never presents interpretation as consensus.