ירמיהו, פרק מ״ג, פסוק ז׳

The sad journey of the remaining survivors of Judah ends with a descent into exile. A small military faction takes the lead, dragging the rest of the people along with them. Bound by their circumstances, the general population is forced to submit to this group's control [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. They enter the land of Egypt in direct violation of God, who had explicitly commanded them not to go there [מצודת דוד]. The severity of their action is especially striking because these same people had previously asked to know God's will. They even promised in advance that they would obey whatever He told them, yet they ultimately sinned and rebelled against His instruction [חומת אנך].

Moving to Egypt represents more than just a failure to follow directions; it acts as a direct punishment for their past wrongs. Their refusal to listen to God is exactly what brings about their return to Egypt. Through this event, the final curse recorded in the Book of Deuteronomy, which warns that the people will be sent back to Egypt, becomes a reality [מלבי"ם]. This bitter journey ultimately comes to a halt when the group arrives at Tahpanhes, a city located within the borders of Egypt [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].