Tisha b’Av, 587bce

The destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 587 BCE was a significant event in ancient history. It was part of a series of military campaigns by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II against the Kingdom of Judah. The destruction is primarily documented in the biblical accounts found in the Second Book of Kings and the Second Book of Chronicles.

Here’s a brief overview of how and why the Babylonians destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem:

1. Background: The Kingdom of Judah was a southern Israelite kingdom with its capital in Jerusalem. It was a vassal state of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar II. However, over time, the rulers of Judah became increasingly rebellious and sought alliances with other neighboring powers.

2. First Siege and Exile: In 597 BCE, Nebuchadnezzar II launched a campaign against Judah in response to its rebellion. The Babylonian army besieged Jerusalem, capturing the city and the royal family. As a result, King Jehoiachin and many other prominent citizens were exiled to Babylon.

3. Zedekiah’s Rebellion: After the initial capture of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar II appointed Zedekiah, a puppet ruler, to the throne of Judah. However, Zedekiah also rebelled against Babylonian authority by forming an alliance with Egypt.

4. Second Siege and Destruction of the Temple: In 587 BCE, Nebuchadnezzar II returned to Jerusalem to crush the rebellion. After a lengthy siege, the Babylonian forces breached the city walls and captured Jerusalem. According to the biblical accounts, on the ninth day of the fourth month (Tammuz), the Babylonians entered the city and destroyed the Temple of Solomon, which was a central place of worship for the Israelites.

5. The Exile of the People: Following the destruction of the Temple, Nebuchadnezzar II ordered the exile of many of the remaining inhabitants of Judah to Babylon. This event is known as the Babylonian Captivity or the Babylonian Exile.

6. Aftermath: The destruction of the Temple marked the end of the First Temple period in Jewish history. The Temple’s destruction had a profound impact on the Jewish people, leading to religious, cultural, and political changes. It became a pivotal event in shaping Jewish identity and led to a period of spiritual reflection and reevaluation of their faith.

The Babylonian destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem is a significant event in the history of ancient Israel and played a crucial role in shaping the course of Jewish history and theology. The aftermath of the destruction led to the eventual rebuilding of the Temple during the Second Temple period.