The document discusses the Babylonian Captivity of the Jewish people and its effects on Judaism. It describes how the Jews were deported to Babylon in three separate events between 605-581 BC. While in exile, the Jews' central religious practices transformed with the Torah becoming the authoritative text and focus on monotheistic worship of YHWH. After the exile ended and they returned to Judea, the Jews emerged as an ethno-religious group defined by their scriptures and traditions rather than territorial gods. The synagogue model of worship that developed during this period also went on to influence the early Christian church.

1. Lesson 5 Judaism – Babylonian Captivity
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2. Paul, the Jew
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3. Second Temple Judaism
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4. • YHWH was God – BUT
• He was a territorial god
• The Shema not withstanding
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Pre-Captivity Jewish Beliefs in God

5. • Terah – Abraham’s Father
• One God – hard for Abraham to know
• But, He did! Read Hebrews 11:8-10
• Settled in Canaan – Bad gods!
• Moloch
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Long-Standing of Pantheism

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Angels and Demons – An Interesting Aside
See Psalm 82:1-6

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On the Other Hand – Kings or Judges

8. Before (in front of) the gods will I sing
praise to you [God.]” (Psalm 138:1.)
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Who Were the Minor “gods” of Psalm 138:1?

9. Job 1:6 – the bni e·aleim
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Consider My Servant Job . . .

10. Genesis 6:2 and 4 – Nephilim
WHY?
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“Begetting” in Genesis – Why?

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Three Separate Deportations 605-581 BC
Temple Destroyed
586 BC

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The Babylonian Captivity

13. Mene, mene, tekel, u pharsin
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The “Prince of Persia” & The Handwritten Wall

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The End of Captivity – Rebuilding the Temple

15. Punishment for Idolatry
New Script
Ezekiel – last highpoint of prophesy
Centrality of Torah
Torah became “authoritative” for life
Jews transformed into ethno-religious
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What the Captivity Meant

16. • Place of Instruction at home and
• In the Diaspora – Paul’s 1st Choice
• Became the model for the Church
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Rise of the Synagogue

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The Synagogue and the Church

18. Let’s Pray About It
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