The phrase strongholds of… Judah
refers to the fortified cities or defensive structures in the territory of Judah. These were places throughout the land that had been fortified to withstand external aggression. In times of danger or conflict the people of Judah would seek refuge in them. The fact that these have been broken down and destroyed by God's wrath symbolises the extent of the destruction and devastation that befell the region. As the Babylonians invaded the country, of these fortified cities, only Lachish and Azekah remained standing at one stage (see Jeremiah 34:7). Once these strong cities were overwhelmed, the land was defenceless.1
2 Le Seigneur a détruit sans pitié toutes les demeures de Jacob; Il a, dans sa fureur, renversé les forteresses de la fille de Juda, Il les a fait rouler à terre; Il a profané le royaume et ses chefs.