6th Century BC (Post-Destruction of Jerusalem)
The Israelites were experiencing the aftermath of the Babylonian conquest, which led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the beginning of the Babylonian Exile.
Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar, was the dominant empire, having conquered Judah and exiled many of its inhabitants.
Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians. The city was left in ruins, and its people were either killed, exiled, or left in poverty.
The Israelites were grappling with the loss of their central place of worship, the Temple, and the theological implications of their exile, questioning their covenant relationship with God.
Nebuchadnezzar
Babylonian King responsible for the conquest of Jerusalem.