The Small Plates of Nephi open with the writings of Nephi, son of Lehi, a prophet living in Jerusalem around 605 BC. This was one of the most turbulent periods in the region’s history. In 605 BC, after the decisive Battle of Carchemish, the Neo‑Babylonian Empire rose as the dominant regional power. Babylon defeated both Egypt and the last remnants of the Assyrian government, bringing Judah (the state where Jerusalem was) under Babylonian control. Judah’s king, Jehoiakim, submitted to Babylon for three years. Around 602 BC, he attempted to revolt against Babylonian rule. The rebellion was crushed, and Jehoiakim was killed by the Babylonians. Following his death, the Babylonians appointed Zedekiah, Jehoiakim’s uncle, as the new ruler over Judah. His reign is marked by political instability, widespread corruption, and a great spiritual decline among the people of Jerusalem. This atmosphere of wickedness, moral decay, Babylonian corruption forms the backdrop for the opening chapters of the Book of Mormon, where Nephi records his father Lehi’s warning to the people of Jerusalem. This will eventually lead to Lehi and his family fleeing Jerusalem - see Book of Mormon 1 Nephi Chapter 2