Exile was a defining moment in the history of Judaism and Christianity.  Defeated and taken into exile, the ancient biblical people had to reimagine their faith, identity, and understanding of God.  New questions were asked, as suggested by Proverbs 30:24-28 "Four things on earth are small, yet they are exceedingly wise..."  The animals in the proverb represent the condition of the ancient Hebrews.  They were without strength, a king, and power; however, they had spread throughout the empire.  In such a state, they had to reimage what it meant to be a people of God.