6th Century BC (During the Babylonian Exile)
The Israelites were in exile in Babylon, grappling with the loss of their homeland and the destruction of the Temple. They were surrounded by Babylonian culture, which was polytheistic and had different moral and legal codes.
Babylon was the dominant empire, having conquered Judah and taken many of its people into exile. The Babylonian king at the time was likely Nebuchadnezzar II.
The events and teachings of Ezekiel 18 occur in Babylon, where the prophet Ezekiel was among the exiles.
The Israelites in exile were struggling with the concept of collective punishment and the justice of God. Ezekiel 18 addresses the belief that the sins of the fathers would be visited upon the children, emphasizing individual responsibility and repentance.
Ezekiel