The Exile to Babylon
Carousel of images for this Bible Exhibit
The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus’ baptism is depicted in the 19th-century painting. John the Baptist is wearing traditional robes made of camel hair, pouring water over Jesus, who stands before him. The dove from heaven has descended on Jesus, representing the Holy Spirit's presence.
The Spirit Descending on Jesus
This painting from 1895 shows John the Baptist pouring water over Jesus, whose head is illuminated, representing his divine nature. The Holy Spirit, represented by the dove, is descending on Jesus.
The Baptism of Christ
This Renaissance painting from 1591 imagines the scene at the Jordan River where John the Baptizer is pouring water over Jesus as the dove descends from God the Father, pictured in the clouds.
The Baptism of Christ
This Baroque period painting from 1622-1623 imagines the scene of John pouring water over Jesus while the Spirit descends in the form of a dove.
The Baptism of Christ
This 19th-century painting depicts God’s light shining down on Jesus as he rises up out of the water.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
The baptism site known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” ruins on the eastern side of the Jordan River across from Jericho. This location has been preserved as the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
The Baptism Site of Jesus
This is a side view of Jesus’ baptism site, known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan,” on the eastern side of the Jordan River, across from Jericho.
The Modern Jordan River
This picture is of the modern Jordan River near the traditional baptismal site. In Jesus' day, the river would have been significantly wider with a greater water flow.
A Monument Marking Jesus’ Baptism
A cross marking the area of Jesus' baptism site overlooking the Jordan River.
St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
This is one of several churches or chapels rebuilt in this area, marking Jesus’ baptism.
Listen to this Bible Exhibit
The Babylonian captivity, or the exile of Judah, began in 605 BC when the Babylonians, under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar II, defeated the coalition forces of Egypt and Assyria at Carchemish. Nebuchadnezzar marched through his newly conquered lands, demanding that the large cities give up their finest young men to be relocated to Babylon to serve in government there. From Jerusalem, Daniel and his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were taken in the first wave of exportation Daniel 1:1-7.
Because King Jehoiakim from Judah withheld tribute to Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar invaded Jerusalem a second time in 597 BC 2 Kings 24:1-17. Jehoiakim was killed, his son Jehoiachin was taken captive, and a second wave of people were brought into Babylonian captivity. Zedekiah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, was left on the throne of Judah. Still, after negotiating an alliance with Egypt, Nebuchadnezzar returned a third time in 586 BC. He destroyed all of Jerusalem, including its walls and the temple Solomon built for the Lord 2 Kings 25:1-21. A third wave of people the Babylonians hadn’t slaughtered were dragged off into captivity.
This period of exile was prophesied by Jeremiah, who warned the people of Judah about the impending invasion and urged them to repent and return to God Jeremiah 20:1-10. Despite his warnings, the people of Judah continued to engage in idolatry and other sins, and the Babylonian invasion and subsequent exile became God’s punishment for their disobedience Jeremiah 25:1-38.
During the exile, the Jews were forced to live in a foreign land and adapt to a new culture. However, they managed to maintain their faith and traditions, and the period also saw the emergence of the influential prophets Daniel and Ezekiel, who played significant roles in shaping Jewish theology and spirituality.
In 539 BC, the Persian King Cyrus the Great conquered the Babylonian Empire, which allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple. By 535 BC, some initial exiles had returned home to Jerusalem, which was in ruins after 70 years of captivity in Babylon.
This Bible Exhibit is one of the several hundred found on the Bible Compass within the Bible Ventures app
