1. The chapter discusses the exile of the Jewish people from Judah to Babylon in 587 BC. The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and the temple after earlier prophets like Jeremiah had warned the kings of Judah of this coming disaster if they did not repent. 2. During the exile, prophets like Zephaniah and Ezekiel provided hope for the remnant and promised restoration. Scribes also worked to preserve scripture and the oral tradition, laying the foundations for Judaism as a portable religion no longer centered around the temple. 3. Though a difficult time, the exile sparked religious renewal as the community came together in study and prayer in the absence of the temple. Their faith survived despite being forced