Exile

After King David, many kings and people turned away from God. They worshipped idols made of wood and stone. Again and again, God sent messengers called prophets, like Jeremiah. They said to turn back to God, or enemies would take them away. But the people would not listen.

Then Babylon’s army took many people far away. But God had not forgotten them. Jeremiah sent them a letter from God. It told them to build houses in Babylon and pray for the city. After 70 years, God would bring them home. He had plans to give them hope.

In Jerusalem, the king and people still did not listen. So the army came back. They broke down the city walls and burned God’s temple. It was a very sad time.

But God had made wonderful promises. Long before, the prophet Isaiah said a child would be born. He would be King on David’s throne for ever. He would be called the Prince of Peace. Jeremiah said God would forgive his people and give them a new start.

Daniel had been taken to Babylon too. Years later, a law said people could pray only to the king. But Daniel still prayed to God three times a day. His windows were open towards Jerusalem. So he was thrown into the lions’ den. God sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths. In the morning, Daniel was safe.

After 70 years, God kept his promise. King Cyrus let God’s people go home. Some went back and rebuilt the temple and the walls. But the promised King had not come yet. So they kept waiting, like people waiting for morning. At long last, Jesus was born. He is the King they were waiting for! He came to forgive our sins and bring us home to God.