The destruction of Jerusalem, the Temple, the Land and the Nation in the Babylonian Exile is the most devastating event imaginable for the people of God. Everything is lost, even hope is demolished. In retrospect it is like the Genesis Fall of Man into Sin and Curse. It is like the Death of Jesus on Friday.
What is left after the loss of all hope, even the apparent loss of God? The presence of God in Paradise (Fall), in the Temple (Exile), and in the Promise (Crucifixion) has vanished. What now? It is the “what now” that makes the story.
What’s left is a faith relationship with God. Prayer is left, and the Enemy can’t take that away. Even if that prayer is for justice and for the punishment and destruction of the enemies, faith and prayer remain. Somehow the people believe they will still thank and praise God forever.
Yes, Redemption comes after the Fall, Return after the Exile, and Resurrection after the Crucifixion, but before we see it we must believe it. And in the ultimate, absolute, Final End of it all justice and judgment, mercy and grace, and the end of the enemies will be seen. Meanwhile, pray.