Seventy Years Captivity

Prophet Jacob R. Blandford

The Old Testament nation of Israel was supposed to allow their land to rest every seventh year from farming it. That was a Sabbath for the land. (Lev. 25) [Similar to the weekly Sabbath.] They were also supposed to keep the 10 Commandments (see Ex. 20 & Deut. 5), the priestly tabernacle ministry, and about 600 other laws given by Moses (from God). But if you read the Books of the Kings and Chronicles you see Israel fell far short of this lawful standard and what’s wore they became idolaters. So, after King Josiah’s reign and towards the end of the Prophet Jeremiah’s ministry—Israel was taken across the Euphrates River into Babylonian captivity for the punishment of their sins. God warned his people that if they transgressed against him and broke covenant with him, he would punish them SEVEN TIMES for their sins. (Lev. 26)

Israel had broken TEN Commandments, so God punished them 7 times 10—70 years in captivity. While they were gone out of the Holy Land into Babylon, the holy land was able to catch up with her Sabbatical rest years which the people had neglected to give her. (2 Chr. 36:21)