Historical and Geographical Background
for the Development of the
Two Old Testament Canons
The development of two Old Testament canons raises
questions which are rooted both in history and geography.
The roots of the double Old Testament canon in history
center around the beginning of the Diaspora or dispersion
of the Jewish communities outside Israel about 600 BC.
This occurred at the time of the Babylonian Captivity--the
conquering of the Israelites by the Babylonian king,
Nebuchadnezzar about 605 BC and the Jews being taken
to Babylon as captives.
2 Kings 24:12
Then Jehoiachin, king of Judah ... surrendered to the
king of Babylon, who, in the eighth year of his reign,
took him captive.