Introduction

Summary

The struggle between those taken to Babylonia and those left behind is a well-known and widely discussed feature of the exilic and early post-exilic periods. These communities’ battles for political legitimacy, theological authority, and the apportionment of blame form the drumbeat of the literature from this period. Surprisingly, scholars have failed to notice that this struggle is frequently articulated in terms of competing Israelite and Judahite identities. Drawing on a deep reservoir of tradition, those deported in 597 BCE laid an absolute claim on Israel’s name and status with Yhwh. Those left behind coalesced around Judah, relying on the land to draw the kingdom’s diverse remaining inhabitants together.