There are many different interpretations of when the city of Jerusalem was destroyed. The most common understanding is that the city was destroyed in 587 BCE by the Babylonians. However, there is another interpretation that claims the city was destroyed in 607 BCE by the Assyrians. There is evidence to support both claims, but there is also evidence that contradicts both claims.
The main evidence that Jerusalem was destroyed in 587 BCE comes from the Babylonian Chronicle. This document records the siege and capture of Jerusalem by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. The Chronicle states that Nebuchadnezzar began his siege of Jerusalem on the second day of the month of Adar. He then captured the city on the ninth day of the month of Ab. This date corresponds to the Hebrew month of Av, which falls in the summer.
The main evidence that Jerusalem was destroyed in 607 BCE comes from the Assyrian records. These records state that Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, captured and destroyed Jerusalem. The Assyrian records give the date of the siege as the month of Kislev, which falls in the winter.
There are a few pieces of evidence that support the claim that Jerusalem was destroyed in 607 BCE. The first is that Jeremiah, a prophet who lived during the time of the destruction, specifically mentions the city being destroyed by the Assyrians. The second is that Sennacherib's grandson, Esarhaddon, mentions rebuilding the city of Jerusalem in his annals. Esarhaddon would not have needed to rebuild the city if it had already been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar.
However, there is also evidence that contradicts the claim that Jerusalem was destroyed in 607 BCE. The first is that the Babylonian Chronicle mentions that Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem, not destroyed it. The second is that there is no record of Sennacherib ever attacking or capturing Jerusalem. In fact, the Assyrian records show that Sennacherib was occupied with other campaigns at the time when Jerusalem is supposed to have been destroyed.
The most likely scenario is that Jerusalem was destroyed in 587 BCE by the Babylonians and that the city was never attacked or captured by the Assyrians.
What happened to the people of Jerusalem after the city was destroyed in 607 BCE?
The people of Jerusalem were deported to Babylon after the city was destroyed in 607 BCE. The population of the city was reduced to a small number of people who were allowed to stay. The city was rebuilt under the Persian Empire, but it was not the same as it was before. The people who were deported to Babylon eventually assimilated into the Babylonian culture.
Where did the people of Jerusalem go after the city was destroyed in 607 BCE?
The people of Jerusalem went into exile after the city was destroyed in 607 BCE. They were taken to Babylon, where they remained for the next 70 years. While in exile, the people of Jerusalem experienced a time of great hardship and loss. They were forced to live in a foreign land far from home, and many of their loved ones were killed or captured during the siege of Jerusalem. During this time, the people of Jerusalem also experienced a time of great spiritual growth. They turned to their faith for comfort and guidance, and they began to rebuild their lives in a new land.
What happened to the Temple in Jerusalem after the city was destroyed in 607 BCE?
The destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 607 BCE was a devastating blow to the Jews. The Temple had been the center of their religious and national life for centuries, and its destruction meant the loss of their most sacred site. The Jews were dispersed from Jerusalem and never regained control of the city. They continued to worship at the Temple Mount, however, and after the Roman destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, they built the Third Temple, which stands today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Jerusalem destroyed in 607bc?
No, Jerusalem was not destroyed in 607bc.
What year did Jerusalem fall?
Jerusalem fell in the fourth month (Tammuz) of 587 BC. All sources which bear on the question—Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and 2 Kings—are consistent in dating the event in that year.
Was Jerusalem destroyed 70 years ago?
There are several reasons why many authorities hold to the date 587 B.C.E. for Jerusalem’s destruction, even though 70 years is a literal time period in Bible chronology. First, the biblical records give no indication of a split between Judah and Israel that would have necessitated a 70-year period of separation. In fact, when God announces His intention to destroy Judah and Jerusalem, He does not specify a specific year or even a number of years: “I will punish her for all the wickedness she has done; I will put an end to all her festivals” (Jer. 16:15). This clearly indicates that there was some type of sin committed by Judah prior to its destruction, which would make it difficult if not impossible to compute a precise beginning and ending point for the 70 years. Second, Jeremiah gives us insight into how ancient people may have calculated periods of time involving multiple years: “For seventy years I
Did Jerusalem really fall in 607 BC?
The answer to this question is complicated and cannot be fully addressed here. However, it is worth noting that there are many reasons why Jehovah's Witnesses might hold onto this false belief. For one, it can be difficult for Witnesses to accept that their religion is not the only faith on earth that accurately predicts the future. Therefore, it can be comforting for them to believe that Jerusalem actually fell in 607 BC – after all, if other religious groups are wrong then surely Jehovah's Witnesses must be right? Another reason why Witnesses might cling to this belief is because of its predictive power. If Christians interpret biblical prophecy as teaching that Jesus will return inAD 70 – as most do – then it makes sense for Jehovah's Witnesses to believe that Jerusalem fell in 607 BC too. After all, if the Watchtower Society is correct in saying that Jerusalem has already fallen then Christians need to rethink their understanding of biblical prophecy! Ultimately, however, it is up to each individual Witness whether
Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Jerusalem was destroyed in 607 BC?
Most important, because, Bible + 539.bce — as a really confirmed date (pivotal date) from many independent sources, undoubtely confirms a 607.bce is a correct date of Jerusalem destruction by Nebuchadnezar.
Sources
- https://jwanswers.com/when-was-jerusalem-destroyed-607-or-586-and-the-70-years-explained/
- https://2001translation.com/587_or_607.htm
- https://www.biblehistory.net/jesus_temple.html
- https://www.answers.com/Q/What_happened_to_the_city_borders_of_Jerusalem_after_1967
- https://brainly.ph/question/19962919
- https://www.grunge.com/278356/the-tragic-history-of-jerusalem-explained/
- https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2021-06-13/ty-article/who-really-destroyed-solomons-temple-in-jerusalem/0000017f-f2dc-dc28-a17f-feff98f00000
- https://bible-history.com/jerusalem/destruction-of-jerusalem-in-70-a-d
- https://jwfacts.com/watchtower/607-587.php
- https://www.youtube.com/watch
- https://jwanswers.com/did-jerusalem-fall-in-607bc-or-587bc-watchtower-contradictions/
- https://www.quora.com/Was-Jerusalem-destroyed-in-607-BCE
- https://www.reddit.com/r/exjw/comments/z8165a/the_destruction_of_jerusalem_607_or_587/
Featured Images: pexels.com