Understanding the Pre-Exilic Period in Jewish History

The term "pre-exilic" refers to the period of time before the Babylonian Exile, which occurred in the 6th century BCE. This period includes the reigns of the kings of Judah and Israel, as well as the prophets who lived and wrote during this time.

In the context of Jewish history, the pre-exilic period began with the division of the kingdom of Solomon after his death, when his son Rehoboam became king of Judah and his other son Jeroboam became king of Israel. This event is traditionally dated to around 930 BCE. The pre-exilic period ended with the Babylonian Exile, which began in 586 BCE and lasted for 70 years.

During this time, the Jewish people were subject to various empires and kingdoms, including the Neo-Assyrian Empire and the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Many of the events and figures of the Hebrew Bible, such as the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, lived and wrote during this period. The pre-exilic period was marked by political instability, religious reform, and the rise of the prophetic movement.