Which major event is marked by the year 586 BC?

The year 586 BC is significant in biblical history because it marks the exile of Judah by Babylon. This event followed the siege of Jerusalem, during which the city was conquered, the Temple was destroyed, and many inhabitants were taken captive to Babylon. This exile was a pivotal moment for the Jewish people, as it represented not only the loss of their homeland but also a profound spiritual and cultural shift.

The Babylonian exile led to a period of reflection and eventual development of new religious practices, as well as significant theological developments within Judaism. It is often regarded as a time when the concept of covenant, identity, and community was solidified in the face of displacement.

While the other options reference important events in biblical history—the construction of the first Temple occurred earlier in the 10th century BC, Solomon's reign also predates this event, and the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah occurred around 931 BC—they do not pertain specifically to the critical event of the exile in 586 BC.