According to Jewish tradition and philosophy, the People of Israel experienced four major exiles following their arrival and settlement in the Land of Israel. This count does not include the earlier period of bondage in Egypt.
Understanding the Concept of Exile (Galut)
In Jewish thought, "exile" (Hebrew: Galut) refers not only to forced displacement but also to periods of foreign domination and dispersion from the Land of Israel. These exiles were significant historical and spiritual turning points. The four distinct exiles are counted from the time the Israelites entered the Promised Land, marking successive eras of foreign rule and dispersion.
The Four Major Exiles
Here are the four prominent exiles recognized within Jewish historical and philosophical tradition, which broadly encompass the periods of foreign rule and significant dispersion experienced by the Jewish people after their settlement in the Land of Israel:
| Exile Period | Major Power | Approximate Dates (BCE/CE) | Biblical/Historical Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Assyrian Exile | Assyria | c. 733–722 BCE | The Assyrian Empire conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting its inhabitants to various parts of the Assyrian Empire. These "Lost Tribes of Israel" largely disappeared from history as distinct entities. This event is extensively chronicled in books like 2 Kings. |
| 2. Babylonian Exile | Babylonia | c. 586–539 BCE | Following the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, the Kingdom of Judah was conquered by the Babylonian Empire. Many Jews were deported to Babylonia. This exile is detailed in books like Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. A significant portion of the Jewish population eventually returned to Judea under Persian rule. |
| 3. Persian Exile | Persia | c. 539–332 BCE | While many Jews returned to Zion from Babylon, the period under Persian rule is often considered a spiritual or political "exile" as the Jewish people remained under foreign sovereignty. The books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther describe life and events during this era, including the rebuilding of the Second Temple. |
| 4. Roman Exile | Roman Empire | 70 CE onwards | The destruction of the Second Temple by the Roman Empire in 70 CE, followed by the suppression of the Bar Kokhba Revolt in 135 CE, led to the widespread dispersion of the Jewish people across the Roman world and beyond. This marked the beginning of the longest and most widespread Jewish diaspora, lasting for nearly two millennia until the establishment of the modern State of Israel. |
Key Considerations
- Exclusion of Egyptian Bondage: The period of enslavement and exodus from Egypt is distinct and typically not counted among these four exiles, as it predates the Israelites' full establishment and subsequent expulsions from the Land of Israel.
- Biblical Scope: While the Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian exiles are explicitly detailed within the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), the Roman Exile occurred after the canonization of most biblical texts. However, its profound impact and historical significance make it an integral part of the "four exiles" framework in Jewish philosophical understanding.
- Impact and Legacy: Each exile profoundly shaped Jewish identity, religious practice, and communal life, contributing to the development of Jewish law, literature, and the enduring hope for return to Zion.
