The ancient Kingdom of Israel was divided into two main entities: the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). The main differences between these kingdoms and the events leading to the Babylonian exile are as follows:
Northern Kingdom (Israel):
1. Capitals: Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom.
2. Tribes: Comprised ten northern tribes.
3. Religious Practices: The Northern Kingdom often engaged in idolatrous practices, including the establishment of golden calves at Bethel and Dan.
4. Dynasty Changes: The Northern Kingdom experienced frequent changes in leadership and dynasties, often through violent means.
5. Prophets: Prophets such as Elijah and Elisha were active in the Northern Kingdom, calling for repentance and denouncing idolatry.
Southern Kingdom (Judah):
1. Capitals: Jerusalem was the capital of the Southern Kingdom.
2. Tribes: Comprised two southern tribes, Judah and Benjamin.
3. Religious Practices: Generally adhered to worship at the Temple in Jerusalem, though periods of religious reform and apostasy occurred.
4. Dynasty Stability: The Southern Kingdom maintained a more stable monarchy, with the Davidic dynasty ruling for an extended period.
5. Prophets: Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah were active in the Southern Kingdom, delivering messages of warning and hope.
Events Leading to the Babylonian Exile:
1. Assyrian Conquest: The Assyrians conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BCE, leading to the exile of the ten northern tribes. This event is often referred to as the "Lost Tribes of Israel."
2. Southern Kingdom's Survival: The Southern Kingdom of Judah initially survived the Assyrian threat but faced its own challenges.
3. Babylonian Conquest: In 586 BCE, Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon conquered Jerusalem, leading to the destruction of the First Temple and the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
4. Deportation to Babylon: The Babylonians deported a significant portion of the Judean population to Babylon, marking the start of the exile. This period is known as the Babylonian Captivity or Babylonian Exile.
5. Return to Judah: The exile eventually came to an end with the Persian conquest of Babylon, and King Cyrus allowing some Jews to return to Judah and rebuild the Temple in 538 BCE.