ירמיהו, פרק כ״ט, פסוק ט״ז

A message of harsh reality is delivered to the exiles already living in Babylon, drawing a sharp contrast between their situation and the fate of those still residing in the Land of Israel. The purpose of this divine communication is to shatter the illusions created by false prophets and to reveal the bitter truth regarding the leadership and citizens who were left behind [מצודת דוד].

The focus turns to the reigning monarch, Zedekiah, the king from the Davidic line who avoided the initial wave of exile under Jehoiachin and kept his royal throne [רש"י, אברבנאל, רד"ק]. Alongside the king, the prophecy addresses the rest of the nation continuing to live in Jerusalem, describing them simply as the brothers of the exiles who did not depart with them [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

A major shift in perspective is introduced to the captives. Those who managed to stay in Jerusalem have no reason to boast or feel superior to their exiled brothers, because remaining in the land will ultimately lead to their own destruction [אברבנאל]. In truth, the condition of the exiles currently in Babylon is far better than the grim fate awaiting those who stayed behind [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

God makes it absolutely clear to the exiles that they will not be returning home anytime soon. Instead, He reveals that the people currently sitting comfortably in Jerusalem are destined to face their own exile. They will endure the horrors of the sword, famine, and plague, ultimately becoming like rotten, spoiled figs [מלבי"ם, אברבנאל].