Exiles

God's people displaced from their homeland, particularly the Babylonian exile (586-538 BC). The exile was both judgment for persistent covenant-breaking (2 Kings 17:7-23, 2 Chronicles 36:15-21) and a refining experience that deepened Israel's faith. Prophets like Jeremiah wrote to exiles: 'Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you' (Jeremiah 29:7). Daniel and his companions maintained faithfulness in a foreign court (Daniel 1-6). Ezekiel received visions of restoration (Ezekiel 37). The New Testament applies exile language to believers: 'foreigners and exiles' in this world (1 Peter 2:11) awaiting their heavenly homeland.