Babylonian Siege of Jerusalem

Context and Background

• Time Period: End of the 7th century BCE
• Territorial Expansion: Babylonian Empire rapidly expands west of the Euphrates, including the Kingdom of Judah.
• Key Figures:
  • King Jehoiachin of Judah: Rebelled against Babylon, defeated, and exiled by King Nebuchadnezzar.
  • Zedekiah: Jehoiakim’s brother, became king of Judah and rebelled again.

The Siege

• Date of Siege: 10th of Tebeth, 588 BCE
• Location: Walls of Jerusalem
• Babylonian Forces: Led by King Nebuchadnezzar, included archers, horsemen, and infantry.
• Impact on Jerusalem:
  • Cut off from external resources, leading to severe hunger and famine.
  • Corpses accumulated in the streets, and diseases spread.

Zedekiah’s Escape

• At the peak of the siege, King Zedekiah and his men attempted a night escape through the southern gate to the Kidron Valley.
• Outcome: Zedekiah was captured and punished by the Babylonians on the plains of Jericho.

The Fall of Jerusalem

• Key Event: On the 9th of Tammuz, 586 BCE, the Babylonian army breached the northern wall after a year and a half of siege.
• Consequences:
  • Mass slaughter of Jerusalem’s inhabitants.
  • Destruction of the city and significant buildings.

Destruction of the Temple

• Date: Month later, on the 7th of Nebuzaradan (5th month).
• Nebuzaradan, the Babylonian commander, razed Jerusalem, including the Temple.
• Archaeological Evidence:
  • Excavations by Igal Shiloh revealed a layer of black ash, remnants of the city’s burning.
  • Artifacts found included utensils, furniture, and seals, all under the ash.

Aftermath and Exile

• Symbolic Destruction: The Temple, key to the Israelite spiritual covenant, was destroyed.
• Significance of the 9th of Av: A day of mourning in Jewish history due to the temple’s destruction.
• Exile: Survivors marched to Babylon, lamenting the loss of their homeland and culture.
• Cultural Impact: Loss of music and joy, replaced by lamentation and mourning.