A Chronology of the Return from Captivity

There were three waves of deportation to Babylon (606, 597, & 586 BC) and three returns from Babylon.

1.  1st return led by Zerubbabel (Ezra 1-6, 538 BC)

Ezra 1-6 covers the period from 538-515 BC

Haggai (520 BC) and Zechariah (520-470 BC) worked during this time

The book of Esther takes place from 483-473 BC between the first and second returns.

2.  2nd return led by Ezra (Ezra 7-10, 457 BC)

3.  The 3rd return was led by Nehemiah (444 BC)

Nehemiah covers the period from 444-425 BC

Malachi (432-425 BC) worked during this time

As we read the Scriptures about the return from captivity let us be encouraged that our Redeemer lives!

Job 19:25-27; NKJV

25 For I know that my Redeemer lives,
And He shall stand at last on the earth;
 
26 And after my skin is destroyed, this I know,
That in my flesh I shall see God,
 
27 Whom I shall see for myself,
And my eyes shall behold, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!