Exile According to the Bible and Rabbinical Literature

Abstract This chapter examines the concept of exile in the Bible and rabbinical literature, focusing on its theological and historical implications. The biblical notion of covenant underpins the relationship between the Israelites and the Promised Land: adherence to divine commandments is essential for residing there. The historical exiles, particularly the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities, are analyzed for their impact on Jewish self-perception and the development of the diaspora (golah) and subsequent historical paradigm (galut). The Babylonian exile is highlighted as a formative period, leading to a bipolar Jewish existence between the Land of Israel and the Babylonian diaspora. The concept of exile’s redemptive value and its role in the broader historical narrative are explored, demonstrating how dispersion served as punishment and as protection for the Jewish people. The theological and eschatological interpretations of exile are considered, emphasizing its significance in Jewish thought and its perceived purpose in the divine plan for humanity.