The final victory of Babylon occurred in 586 B.C. Included in Jerusalem's affliction were the sieges prior to this, which were marked by inner turmoil, due to a call to repentance issued by prophets like Jeremiah. - Judah's leading citizens were taken into exile. The deportation of citizens from Judah happened in phases, which also prolonged the suffering.1
Affliction
means the anguish caused by the Babylonians’ hostile actions. The hard servitude
means that, although the people of Judah who stayed behind were not technically slaves, their hardship was increased because many burdens were imposed on them. It can also be translated that they had to perform “abundance of work." Similar expressions were used in connection with Israel’s oppression in Egypt before the exodus (see Genesis 15:13; Exodus 1:11–13; Deuteronomy 26:6). After the distressing period of Babylonian interference, the situation worsened for Judah.2 The people had to render severe labour and toil for the king so that he may be able to pay the tribute imposed on the country and to defend the capital against its enemies.3
3 Judah has gone into exile because of affliction and hard servitude; she dwells now among the nations, but finds no resting place; her pursuers have all overtaken her in the midst of her distress.