The Book of Daniel begins with the trials of the Judahites in the aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction by the Babylonians in 587 BC, when many were forced to live as immigrants in a strange land. It continues with visions relating to the trials of Judahites back in Jerusalem in a time of persecution four centuries later, visions that promise them God's deliverance. The twelve shorter prophets are situated between the eighth and fifth centuries and speak both warnings and instructions to God's people.