The Return

The Return

Q: How long were the captives from the southern kingdom in exile before they were allowed to return to their homeland?

• a. 10 years
• b. 70 years
• c. 110 years

God’s people in both the northern and southern kingdoms turned from God to idols many times. The Lord gave them repeated chances to turn back to him. Sometimes a godly king would rid the kingdom of idols, but it wasn’t long before the people would turn back to their false gods. Finally God allowed his people to be taken captive by other nations.

Around 722 BC, the northern kingdom was taken captive by Assyria. That was the end of the northern kingdom. The people never returned to their land.

Around 586 BC (remember, in BC the year numbers get smaller, not bigger, in time progression) the southern kingdom was taken captive by Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar took all the valuable things from the Temple and the palace. His army burned down the Temple of God and tore down the city walls.

The people of the southern kingdom were in exile in Babylon for 70 years. Then the Persians conquered Babylon, and the people were allowed to return to their homeland. Many of the exiles returned home in three groups, years apart, but some never returned to their homeland. They had built homes, started families, and acquired wealth while in captivity, and they didn’t want to leave. They preferred the comfort and security of their new life to the long and somewhat dangerous trip back to a homeland they’d have to rebuild.

Zerubbabel led the first group home. Ezra led the second group about 80 years later. After that, Nehemiah led a third, smaller group.

God allowed his people to be captured by enemies, but he later redeemed them and let them return home. God still wants those who are walking away from him to find salvation. He desires for those who know him but are not living right to turn back to him.

For You

If you mess up, don’t worry. God gives second chances to his people. Just confess your sin to God, and continue to follow him.

Answer: b

The message of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah was fulfilled. The land finally enjoyed its Sabbath rest, lying desolate until the seventy years were fulfilled, just as the prophet had said.   2 Chronicles 36:21

(The Whole Story: 2 Chronicles 36:17-21)