his own choice (šarra ša libbišu), imposed heavy tribute upon him and sent (him) to Babylon.” According to Parker-Dubberstein the capture of Jerusalem is accordingly to be dated March 16, 597 B.C.71 The call of the prophet (1:1ff*), according to the same reckoning, took place on July 31, 593,72 and the date of the latest oracle (29:17*) on April 26, 571.73 b. The Historical Background. The years 593–571, in which the prophet was active, fall in the period of the rule of Nebuchadnezzar II,
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