In the second century B.C.E., about the time the Dead Sea Scroll of Isaiah was copied, the Parthians took control of Babylon, which was then viewed as a prize over which surrounding nations fought.
یوسِفوس ،‏ تاریخدان یهودی ،‏ گزارش می‌کند که در قرن اول ق .‏ د .‏ م .‏ « جمعیت عظیمی » از یهودیان در بابل بسر می‌بردند .‏