In 587 BC the kingdom of Judah, and its capital, Jerusalem, fell to the kingdom of Babylon. Jerusalem was held under seige until it was completely destroyed; the temple destroyed, the gold and silver looted and the people were carried off to exile in Babylon where they remained for 50 years. The Jews were not slaves in Babylon. Most were able to live freely - own property, engage in business, marry, and so on. But they were not allowed to go home. It was a period of great emotional suffering for the Jews, who feared that God had forgotten them. At the same time, it was a period of great growth for the faith. Much of the Hebrew scriptures were written down at that time and synagogues - and synagogue schools - were established so that the faith could be passed on from generation to generation. After 50 years, the Babylonian kingdom was taken over by the Persians. Cyrus, the king of Persia, was sympathetic to the Jews and issued an edict saying that they could go home again. Moreover, he gave them silver and gold with which to rebuild their temple in Jerusalem. This was the time that the second Isaiah preached, offering hope to the people and the promise of God's presence as they took this long journey. When the exiles returned to Jerusalem (and not all did; many remained in Babylon) they intended to build the temple right away, but became distracted with building their own homes and getting settled themselves. The prophet Haggai reminded the people of the importance of rebuilding the temple, and construction began in earnest, although it wasn't actually completed and dedicated until many years later, after the time period covered in the play.

The play takes place in Babylon, toward the end of the period of captivity for the Jews, ca 538 BC. Only the old folks remember Jerusalem and the golden temple there. The Exile's Lament Grandfather sits outside, and laments the loss of Jerusalem.

Inside, his daughter, Mara, discusses grandfather's stories with her children, Abigail, Benjamin and Hannah. Only Benjamin, who has spent many hours listening to his grandfather, understands. Remembrance

In the marketplace, people talk of Nebuchadnezzer's defeat. Some people have heard that King Cyrus will allow them to return to Judah. Others disbelieve this rumor, or think that they are better off remaining in Babylon. There is a great deal of discussion. Our Time has Come

Pages clear the path for an emissary of King Cyrus, who reads a proclamation to the people. They will be allowed to return to Judah, and King Cyrus will give them silver and gold with which to rebuild the temple!

Now that the word is official, many find themselves torn between their new land and their old one. How will they live? Will there be enough to eat? Will there be shelter? There is division within the family as well. Grandfather is going to go. Seth, the father, has decided to stay. Mara, as daughter and wife, wants to go, but knows that she must stay with her husband. The In-Between

Back at the marketplace, the discussions continue. Simon makes a strong case for staying. The Way of the World

The family's problem is even further complicated when Benjamin says he wants to accompany his grandfather to Judah. Mara finds a cousin who will act as a "foster mother" to the boy on the journey and she agrees to let him go. Grandfather and Benjamin leave in the middle of the night, unknown to Seth and the girls.

Isaiah's Song Seth has been convinced by Isaiah's song that the right thing for him to do is to take his family to Jerusalem so that they can be united again. His friend Jesse agrees that he should do what feels best for him.

The family prepares to leave. Mara is visited by her Babylonian friend and neighbor, Umma, who wishes her a safe journey and gives her a gold necklace. Abigail's friend Deborah gives her a ring to remember her by. Stepping into the night

It is two months later. Benjamin is playing on the edge of town with his friend. They see a group approaching. It is Benjamin's family! They are together again! Return to Judah

But there is still dissention within the tribe. The people had become used to living in houses with rugs and fine furniture. Now they must live in tents. The prophet Haggai tells the people to stop squabbling and complaining and to work together for a common goal - the building of the temple. The people see his wisdom, and begin to donate their gold and silver. It will work out. The people sing the reprise of "Finding our Way".