600 BC: The Departure of Lehi

by Clay McConkie

The date was 600 BC. War was raging in the Middle East. As Assyria and Chaldea battled for control, the people and countries around them had to make choices of their own. Who did Pharaoh support? What did it take to fell the Assyrian empire? Were the Babylonian victors any less cruel than their predecessors? For the floundering nation of Judah, each turn of the tide brought uncertainty. As an increasing number of people were carried off captive, those remaining had to daily make the do we stay or do we flee? Lehi, led by the hand of God, took his family and escaped his war-torn homeland. Yet little is known about his epic journey or the forces that may have been at play during his time. A merchant by trade, Lehi certainly was familiar with Egyptian culture and may even have been influenced by the Greeks and the Romans. But did he ever meet Nebuchadnezzar? What about other important leaders of the time? Certainly he and his family were in danger simply because they were Jewish, but did his prophecies single him out in the eyes of the powerful world rulers? In 600 BC, The Departure of Lehi, noted scholar Clay McKonkie probes in-depth into the life of Lehi and the events surrounding the pivotal date of 600 BC; events which culminated in the death of the nation of Judah, and the birth of the nation of the Nephites.

177 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Shelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's been a year since I picked up this book.....don't like how it is written. So, I'm done with it and will mark it "as read". The subject matter is good, and there is good information about the times, etc., but I just can't get into it for some reason. I'm just cleaning up my "reading" bookshelf and will get to this book sometime....

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting historical overview that bring context to events near in time to Lehi's departure. The kingdoms of Assyria and Chaldea, and their leaders, are put along side the contemporary kingdoms and kings of Israel and Judea. All interesting history, light commentary and a tiny amount of empirical data.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It talks about the political situations in the different countries around the middle east at the time of Lehi and his departure from Jerusalem. It's only a 4 because I was disappointed it didn't contain more detailed information. As it is it was a good short read.

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super easy read and great information supporting the Book of Mormon in World history