A proper understanding of the 70 years of Babylonian domination requires a wider sweep of scripture and of history.
In the Law (Pentateuch), the people were warned that disobedience would result in their deportation and in the desolation (shamah) of the land. -- Lev. 26:34, 35; Deut. 28:36, 37.
As a result of their intransigent disobedience, the people of the northern nation of Israel experienced that very outcome. -- Jer. 2:14, 15
Even after this experience, Jeremiah said that Israel had the oppoortunity to return and flourish, if they confessed their sin and repented of their sinfulness. -- Jer. 3:12, 22
Turning his attention to the people of Judah, Jeremiah said they were worse than Israel, since they had witnessed the outcome upon their northern sister. -- Jer. 3:6-11
The righteousness of Judah's kings Hezekiah and Josiah brought a temporary stay of executuin. -- 2 Kings 18:3-7; 19:14-19; 22:2, 19.
Because of the unbelievably evil reign of King Manasseh and the backsliding and obstinate disobedience of Josiah's descendants, Judah was to experience the very same fate as had befallen Israel. -- Jer. 4:5-18
Judah's neighbours were to share in her punishment, and they had to serve Babylon for 70 years. Any nation that was prepared to serve Babylon for the 70 years was permitted to stay in its own land. -- Jer. 25:11, 12, 17; 27:11.
But the people of Judah were determined that they would not listen and they continued to resist God's calls. So the ultimate punishment was carried out. -- Jer. 25:3-8; 44:16; 52:2-3
When Judah's prince Daniel considered the state of the sanctuary, he confessed the people's sins and pleaded for its restitution. In response to Daniel's prayer, the people were given one final opportunity. -- Dan. 9:1-19 (prayer); 20-27 (God's response).
But Israel had no one who was prepared to represent them before God, as Daniel had done on behalf of Judah.
The nations' servitude finished when Babylon fell in 539 BCE. -- Jer. 25:12-14; 2 Chron. 36:21.
And in accord with Daniel's focus and understanding, the sanctuary was rebuilt 70 years after its destruction in 587 BCE.
Many other supporting scripture references could have been provided.
Doug
Melbourne