Time period
6th Century BC (During the Babylonian Exile)
Cultural background
The Israelites were in exile in Babylon, having been taken captive after the fall of Jerusalem. This period was marked by a crisis of identity and faith for the Jewish people.
Political environment
Babylon was the dominant empire, having conquered Judah and destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC. The Jewish people were living under Babylonian rule.
Geographical setting
The events of Ezekiel 1 occur by the Kebar River, which is in the region of Babylon, where the Jewish exiles were settled.
Societal norms
The Jewish exiles were struggling to maintain their religious identity and practices in a foreign land, surrounded by Babylonian culture and religion.
Significant figures
Ezekiel
Connected events