Empire of Babylon • Divided Kingdom to Exile
The Babylonians were a dominant empire in Mesopotamia that rose to power after the fall of Assyria. Under kings like Nebuchadnezzar II, they became the instrument of judgment against Judah. In 586 BC, the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and the temple, carrying many of the people into exile. They feature prominently in the lives of figures such as Daniel, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah. While used as a tool of judgment, Babylon is also portrayed in Scripture as proud and destined for eventual downfall.
Related: Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar II, Belshazzar, Daniel, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Kingdom of Judah, Returnees from Exile