The Israelites were exiled to Babylon because of their persistent disobedience, idolatry, and violation of their covenant with God, which led to divine punishment carried out through the conquest by the Babylonian empire.

Historical Circumstances

• The Babylonian exile occurred after several waves of deportations by the Neo-Babylonian Empire, starting in 597 BCE following the siege of Jerusalem and escalating after the city's destruction and the fall of Solomon’s Temple in 587 BCE.

• King Nebuchadnezzar II led forces that besieged Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, killed thousands, and deported many Judeans to Babylon.

Religious and Moral Reasons

• According to biblical sources and tradition, the exile was seen as a consequence of Israel’s ongoing idolatry, rejection of prophetic warnings, and neglect of religious obligations.

• The Israelites worshipped other gods and adopted pagan practices, directly violating their covenant, which prompted God to use Babylon as an agent of judgment.

Aftermath

• Large segments of the population were forcibly relocated from Judah to Babylon, fundamentally changing Jewish society and religious practice.

• The exile continued until the Persian conquest of Babylon, which allowed some Jews to return and rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple.

The Babylonian Exile was thus a pivotal moment driven by both political events and perceived spiritual failings as described in historical and religious accounts.