Biblical journeys
Map of the Return from Exile
After the Babylonian exile, Persia's permission brings the exiles back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and walls.
This journey has 4 stages through 3 places. It begins at Babylon and ends at Jerusalem; joining each stop with a straight line on the map gives about 3,330 km. In today's terms the route crosses Iraq, Israel, and Iran. The actual route followed roads and terrain, so treat this distance as a sense of scale rather than a measured itinerary.
Return from Exile
Step 1/4Babylon
After seventy years of exile, King Cyrus's decree permits the return. Ezra 1:1-4
Routes are schematic study guides.
Journey sequence and Bible passages
- 1
Babylon
After seventy years of exile, King Cyrus's decree permits the return.
Ezra 1:1-4
Today: Babylon ruins, near Hillah, Iraq
- 2
Jerusalem
Led by Zerubbabel, the first returnees come back and begin rebuilding the temple.
Ezra 3
Today: Jerusalem, Israel
- 3
Susa
In the Persian court at Susa, Nehemiah hears that Jerusalem's walls lie broken, grieves, and petitions the king.
Nehemiah 1-2
Today: Shush, Iran
- 4
Jerusalem
Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem and finishes rebuilding the walls in fifty-two days; Ezra reads the Law and renews the people's faith.
Nehemiah 6:15; 8
Today: Jerusalem, Israel