Humbled in the sight of the nations, those who once had been recognized as favored of Heaven above all other peoples of the earth were to learn in exile the lesson of obedience so necessary for their future happiness. Until they had learned this lesson, God could not do for them all that He desired to do. "I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished," He declared in explanation of His purpose to chastise them for their spiritual good. Jeremiah 30:11. Yet those who had been the object of His tender love were not forever set aside; before all the nations of earth He would demonstrate His plan to bring victory out of apparent defeat, to save rather than to destroy. To the prophet was given the message:

"Så siger Hærskarers Herre, Israels Gud: End skal de i Judas land og byer sige dette ord, når jeg vender deres skæbne: "Herren velsigne dig, du retfærdsbolig, du hellige bjerg!" Og deri skal Juda bo og alle dets byer til hobe, agerdyrkerne og de omvankende hyrder. Thi jeg kvæger den trætte sjæl og mætter hver vansmægtende sjæl."