Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  7000 God's people  »  7200 History of God's people in OT  »  7215 exile, the

The period of Israel's captivity in foreign lands, under Assyria in the eighth century B.C., and under Babylon in the sixth. Such exile is regarded by biblical writers as a judgment upon Israel for her folly and unfaithfulness. It is also seen as a time of repentance and renewal leading eventually to restoration.