The concept of exile is a significant theme throughout the Bible, representing both physical displacement and spiritual separation from God. Exile often serves as a divine judgment for disobedience, yet it also provides opportunities for repentance and restoration.

Old Testament Exile

The most prominent example of exile in the Old Testament is the Babylonian Exile. This event occurred after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC when the Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar, conquered Judah and deported many of its inhabitants to Babylon. This period of exile lasted approximately 70 years, fulfilling the prophecy given by Jeremiah: "This whole land will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years" (Jeremiah 25:11).

The Babylonian Exile was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as it was both a punishment for the nation's persistent idolatry and a catalyst for spiritual renewal. The exiles, including figures like Daniel, Ezekiel, and Esther, maintained their faith in foreign lands, demonstrating God's sovereignty and faithfulness even in times of judgment.

Return from Exile

The return from exile was initiated by the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king, who allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This event is recorded in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Ezra 1:2-3 states, "This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel.'"

The return from exile was not just a physical restoration but also a spiritual one, as the people recommitted themselves to the covenant with God, as seen in Nehemiah 8-10.

Exile in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the theme of exile takes on a more spiritual dimension. The Apostle Peter refers to believers as "foreigners and exiles" in this world (1 Peter 2:11), emphasizing the temporary nature of earthly life and the believer's ultimate citizenship in heaven. This spiritual exile calls Christians to live holy lives, distinct from the surrounding culture, while awaiting the return of Christ.

Theological Implications

Exile in the Bible serves as a metaphor for the human condition of separation from God due to sin. It underscores the need for redemption and the hope of restoration through God's grace. The physical exiles of Israel foreshadow the spiritual exile of humanity and the ultimate reconciliation offered through Jesus Christ.

Throughout Scripture, exile is both a consequence of sin and an opportunity for growth and renewal. It highlights God's justice in response to disobedience and His mercy in providing a path to return. The narrative of exile and return is a testament to God's unchanging faithfulness and His desire for a restored relationship with His people.

Ode viii.
... Babel's proud daughter once led David's race. From Sion, to their exile's
woful place: ... From music grief held back the exile's hand: ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neale/hymns of the eastern church/ode viii 2.htm

Introduction.
... Like Dante and many more, he has to learn the weariness of the exile's lot"how hard
his fare, how homeless his heart, how cold the courtesies of aliens, how ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/i introduction.htm

The Martyrdom
... The only course which remained was to start for Arabissus at all costs, and do
everything which could be done to render the exile's journey more tolerable, and ...
/.../chapter lxviii the martyrdom.htm

Introduction to De Synodis.
... (Written 359, Added to After 361.) The de Synodis is the last of the great and
important group of writings of the third exile. With the exception of Sec. Sec. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/introduction to de synodis.htm

Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther.
... Only a minority availed themselves of the decree in their favor; the most of the
people choosing to remain in the land of their exile; and it has always been ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/hebrew captives or mordecai and.htm

The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ...
... I prefer reminding you that since, at Bethel, God blessed the exile's slumbers with
a glorious vision, and most comfortable promise, on his first setting out ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon vii the marvels of.htm

Epilogue: a victim of Divine Love
... to die of love's keen fire: The martyrdom of which my heart is fain! Hasten, ye
Cherubim, to tune your lyre; I shall not linger long in exile's pain! . . . . ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/epilogue a victim of divine.htm

ii.
... The knights were defeated, their leader lost his life, and Hutten wandered
away"outlawed and proscribed"to find an exile's grave in a small island of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/first principles of the reformation/ii.htm

A Canticle of Love
... Jesus, my Beloved! I know not when my exile will have an end. ... Hasten, ye Cherubim,
to tune your lyre; I shall not linger long in exile's pain! . . . . ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/martin/the story of a soul/chapter xi a canticle of.htm

Exile's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Exile's (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 12:3 Therefore,
thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for exile, and remove ...
/e/exile's.htm - 6k

Exist (24 Occurrences)

/e/exist.htm - 14k

Exiles (46 Occurrences)
... Ezra 8:35 The children of the captivity, that were come out of exile, offered
burnt-offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety ...
/e/exiles.htm - 20k

Pashhur (12 Occurrences)
... Future captivity and an exile's death are promised to Pashur whose name he
changed from its masterful significance to a cowering one. ...
/p/pashhur.htm - 12k

Pashur (12 Occurrences)
... Future captivity and an exile's death are promised to Pashur whose name he
changed from its masterful significance to a cowering one. ...
/p/pashur.htm - 14k

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