Conclusions

Summary

The kingdom of Judah’s encounter with the Babylonian empire wrought profound changes on its population, from members of the royal household to the very poorest of its villagers. Mass movements, in particular, were a pervasive feature of the kingdom’s final years. Many of its elites were forcibly deported to Babylonia; others sought refuge from Babylonian depredations in Jerusalem and other fortified cities, or fled into the Transjordan or to Egypt. The effects of these repeated displacements on society, community, and identity were deep and long lasting.