God's Purpose of Grace in Chastisement

For an understanding of this text it is vital to know that this promise was given to the people of Judah who were carried off to Babylon to serve a 70 year exile. Those who escaped the exile were left for their hurt, while those carried off were taken for their good. Such is God's way of dealing with His own children. We learn that He deals most severely with those whom He will use for His glory.