Babylonian Captivity

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