Chronology
Table based on Rainer Albertz, "Israel in exile: the history and literature of the sixth century BCE", p.xxi. Alternative dates are possible.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 609 BCE | Death of Josiah |
| 609–598 BCE | Reign of Jehoiakim (succeeded Jehoahaz, who replaced Josiah but reigned only 3 months) |
| 598/7 BCE | Reign of Jehoiachin (reigned 3 months). Siege and fall of Jerusalem. First deportation, 16 March 597 |
| 597 BCE | Zedekiah made king of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon |
| 594 BCE | Anti-Babylonian conspiracy |
| 588 BCE | Siege and fall of Jerusalem. Second deportation July/August 587 |
| 583 BCE | Gedaliah the Babylonian-appointed governor of Yehud Province assassinated. Many Jews flee to Egypt and a possible third deportation to Babylon |
| 562 BCE | Release of Jehoiachin after 37 years in a Babylonian prison. He remains in Babylon |
| 538 BCE | Persians conquer Babylon (October) |
| 538 BCE | Decree of Cyrus allows Jews to return to Jerusalem |
| 520–515 BCE | Return by many Jews to Yehud under Zerubbabel and Joshua the High Priest. Foundations of Second Temple laid |
Read more about this topic: Babylonian Captivity