Captivity of Israel
Following the death of the Assyrian King Shalmanezer III (859-824 B.C.), Assyria began to weaken in its strength and resolve to fight. This gave the surrounding nations, especially Israel an opportunity to strengthen her armies and develop economically. This was a period of great prosperity for Israel and Judah. During this period they extended their boarders from Egypt to Hamath in Syria. 2 Chronicles 26:8; 2 Kings 14:28

However the prophets Amos and Hosea make it clear that their spiritual prosperity did not match their economic. Corruption had swept throughout the two nations. With the death of Jeroboam II in 753 B.C. Israel began to unravel. The assassinations of Zechariah and Shallum reflect the state of Israel during this time. 2 Kings 15:8-16

In the purpose of God Tiglath-Pileser III (745-727 B.C.) was raised up in Assyria as a great military leader, in order to punish Israel. Tiglath-Pileser III is also called Pul or Pulu in the list of Babylonian names and this is the name that he goes under in Scripture. 2 Kings 15:19; 1 Chronicles 5:36

Over the next ten years Israel tried to live at peace with the Assyrians by paying them tribute money. However despite Isaiah's warnings King Ahaz continued to appeal to Tiglath-Pileser III who eventually invaded Damascus and destroyed it taking the inhabitants into captivity. Pekah King of Israel was killed by Hoshea who ruled under the authority of the Assyrians.

Hoshea was given time to reorganise while Tiglath-Pileser III and his son Shalmanezer V were putting down revolts in their own country. During this time Hoshea withheld the tribute money and went for help against the Assyrians to the Egyptians. The Assyrians invaded Palestine in 725 and took Hoshea captive after a three year siege. (722)

According to Assyrian records some 27,290 Israelites were taken into captivity. Isaiah had prophesied in 734 B.C. that the Captivity would continue for 65 years. Isaiah 7:8 This is verified by the fact that Esar-haddon (681-669 B.C.) and Ashur-banipal (669-633 B.C.) carried foreigners into Samaria. Ezra 4:2, 10; 2 Kings 17:24-33

Ten Lost Tribes
There has been a question raised about the location of the ten 'lost' tribes. While many of them were taken into captivity, some remained in Samaria and were even invited to the Passover feast in Jerusalem. (715 B.C.) 2 Chronicles 30:10-18 Some of the Jew from the North fled to Judah as a result of their religious convictions. 2 Chronicles 11:16-17

It is significant that in the New Testament period Anna was from the tribe of Asher Luke 2:36 and the James addresses 'the twelve tribes which are of the Dispersion.' Acts 2:5-11 During the New Testament period the Jews had a knowledge of the location of all twelve tribes.

A modern theory known as the 'British-Israelism' theory claims that the ten lost tribes made their way to Great Britain and that now the British are God's chosen people. There is no rational Biblical evidence to support this theory.

Phase I 605 B.C.
The Babylonian Captivity of Judah took place in a similar way to the captivity of Israel in that it was accomplished in stages. Following the Assyrian Empires overthrow by the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nabopolassar in 612 B.C. he sent his son Nebuchadnezzar against the Egyptians at Carchemish in 605 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar not only destroyed the Egyptians but also took control of most of Palestine. He entered Jerusalem, removed some of the temple furnishings and took captives to Babylon. Daniel 1:1-4 Jehoiakim king of Judah paid Nebuchadnezzar tribute money to continue ruling in Judah. 2 Kings 24:1

Phase II 605 B.C.
Within a month Jehoiachin King of Judah was also taken into captivity, along with 10,000 citizens and the prophet Ezekiel. Jeremiah 24; 52:31 Generally speaking the exiles enjoyed a peaceful and productive life. Jeremiah 29:4-7 In later year when the exiles were permitted to return in the days of Cyrus many of them stayed in Babylon and sent their money back to help in the reconstruction of the Temple and wall of Jerusalem. Ezra 1:6; 2:64

Phase III 588 B.C.
Nebuchadnezzar appointed Jehoiachin's uncle, Zedekiah, as King of Judah in 597 B.C. Jeremiah warned him not to plot against Nebuchadnezzar but Zedekiah would not listen. Jeremiah 27-28 Nebuchadnezzar entered Palestine on January 15, 588 B.C. and besieged Judah for three and a half years resulting in the remaining residents being taken into captivity. Jeremiah 34:1-7; 39:1; 2 Kings 25:1

When Nebuchadnezzar broke through the wall of Jerusalem, Zedekiah tried to flee to the Jordan but was captured, forced to witness the killing of his sons and then was blinded. He was then carried off to exile in Babylon. Jeremiah 39:4-7; 2 Kings 25:4-7 Jeremiah recorded that he would see the king of Babylon while Ezekiel prophesied that he would never see the city of Babylon. Ezekiel 12:13 His blindness fulfilled the seeming contradictions of these two prophets.

Shortly after the fall of Jerusalem, Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, entered the city and burned it, including the temple with the ark and carried off the rest of the furnishings to Babylon. Jeremiah 3:16 The Priest were taken to Riblah and executed. 2 Kings 25:8-21; 2 Chronicles 36:17-21; Jeremiah 39:8-10; 52:12-27

Gedaliah was appointed the new governor of Judah and Jeremiah was to assist him in his administration. Jeremiah 40:1-12 However this new government was interrupted by the murder of Gedaliah by Ishmael. The tiny remnant feared Babylonian retaliation and fled to Egypt taking Jeremiah with them. Jeremiah had warned them against this move but would not be listened to. 2 Kings 25:22-26; Jeremiah 40:13-44

Thus Judah went into captivity and the land of Palestine was desolate for 70 years. 2 Chronicles 36:21 (650-535) The Jews were permitted to return to rebuild the temple under the decree of Cyrus King of Persia. 535 B.C. 

The captivity was to teach the people of God that obedience to the Word of God is necessary to enjoy and possess the land. Disobedience meant judgment and exile.

Copyright © 1995 David Graves & Jane Graves, Electronic Christian Media