What was the reason given for the destruction of the temple in 70 AD? Does the scriptures say specifically? I know that most say it is because Israel rejected their Messiah, but is that specifically what the scriptures say? What was the reason for an exile far longer than the 70 years in Babylon? The prophets were quite clear about the reasons and length of the Babylonian exile. What do Orthodox Jews believe was the reason that their temple was destroyed? They know that it wasn't for idolatry this time around. What do Orthodox Jews believe was the reason for their very long exile? If severe idolatry, fornication, and shedding of innocent blood caused only 70 years exile, what do they think was so horrible as to cause nearly 1900 years exile?