Bible Blossom - Storyteller's Handbook

T HE E X I L E • 111

Theme

The Lord will judge the sin and rebellion of his people, but he will not forsake his covenant promise.

Setting

• Jerusalem • Babylon • Persia

• The Lord • The final kings of Judah • Nebuchadnezzar – King of Babylon • Jeremiah • Cyrus – King of Persia

Major Characters

Plot

Introduction and Rising Action 1. The final kings of Israel are all evil. 2. The sin of Judah becomes so great that the Lord brings his wrath against them. Climax 3. He allows Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon (also called the Chaldeans) to conquer them and take them into exile. 4. The capital city of Jerusalem and the temple are completely destroyed, the people are either killed in the battle or taken into exile in Babylon hundreds of miles away. 5. The prophet Jeremiah is the Lord’s messenger sent during this time to interpret the events of the exile for the people. Falling Action and Resolution 6. However, the Lord had promised that his people would return to their land. 7. Under the rule of King Cyrus of Persia, the exiles are allowed to return to Judah.