1. Babylon cannot escape judgment (1-17)

God did use the Babylonians as his instruments of judgment. But he still held them accountable for their sins. They did not agree with God. They felt that they were innocent because they were used to punish the Israelites who sinned. They rejoiced over the peril of God's people. Now they had to answer for their sins. Just because God works through us does not mean that we are innocent.

2. God draws his people by forgiveness (18-20)

God chose to bless his people. He would bring Israel back to their land where they will be satisfied. He would do this not because his people had not sinned, for they sinned greatly, but God would bring them back from exile based on his grace of forgiveness. Because the Lord Almighty forgave them, their guilt would be taken away. God restores his people because of the grace of his forgiveness.