17, 18. The defeat of Babylon will mean what blessings for Israel?

¹⁷ Babylon’s fall will be a relief for Israel. It will mean release from captivity and the opportunity to return to the Promised Land. Hence, Isaiah now says: “Jehovah will show mercy to Jacob, and he is yet certain to choose Israel; and he will actually give them rest upon their soil, and the alien resident must be joined to them, and they must attach themselves to the house of Jacob.

Isaiah 14:1,

“Jacob” here refers to Israel as a whole​—all 12 tribes. Jehovah will show mercy to “Jacob” by allowing the nation to return home.

19. What is needed if Israel is to enjoy Jehovah’s forgiveness, and what do we learn from this?

¹⁹ Nevertheless, Jehovah’s mercy is not unconditional. His people must express remorse for their wickedness, which moved God to punish them so severely. (Jeremiah 3:25) Open, heartfelt confession will bring Jehovah’s forgiveness. (See Nehemiah 9:6-37; Daniel 9:5.)