Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The children of Israel and the children of Judah were oppressed together: Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The children of Israel and the children of Judah were oppressed together: and all that took them captives held them fast; they refused to let them go.
Israel and ... Judah were oppressed together. He here, in contrast to Babylon's fall, promises Israel's and Judah's complete restoration, and anticipates an objection, in order to answer it: ye have been, no doubt, "oppressed," as you say, and therefore ye despair of deliverance; but, remember, your "Redeemer is strong," and therefore can and will deliver you.