I am finishing up the book of Jeremiah and reading the parallel verses in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. It occurred to me that the removal of Jews to Babylon was a land redistribution of sorts. Only the poor were left in the land. A generation would pass before the return of Ezra and Nehemiah and anyone who could claim land rights. This makes me think that some major property shifts took place. Undoubtedly some laid claim to grandpas’ or dad’s land. God spoke through Jeremiah to Zeddekah to set slaves free as required on the 7th year. It was done and then retracted. Indeed the 70 years we a sabbath or jubilee of sorts that was long overdue. BTW that oft used verse “I know the plans I have for you, to prosper you…” was for a people, his people, God was leading into captivity!! He told them to bless the city…BABYLON!! Wow! Ever hear a sermon on that?
I am also impressed how God sent all of the ‘learned’ ones to be ‘servants’ (teachers?) of Nebudchadnezzer and his sons.
This story surely is not only about Israel and maybe not even primarily about them.
