ירמיהו, פרק מ״ד, פסוק כ״ח

The final divine decree against the exiles in Egypt culminates in a direct confrontation between human ambition and the will of God. The tragic reality of their situation is that the exiles are effectively trapped in Egypt with no true avenue of escape [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Out of this entire population, only a tiny fraction will survive. These few refugees will manage to escape and make the journey back to the land of Judah. This small group of survivors will be exclusively righteous individuals, such as the prophet Jeremiah, Baruch son of Neriah, and a handful of others like them [רד״ק].

For the remnant of Judah who sought to live in Egypt, the unfolding events will serve as the ultimate test of power and truth. A stark collision exists between two opposing visions. On one side stands God's decree, which foretells that the exiles will perish in Egypt. On the opposing side are the declarations and vows of the people, who firmly believed that by fleeing to Egypt, they would find safety and security. In the end, reality itself will serve as the final judge. The outcome will definitively prove whose words carry true power and authority, demonstrating whether God's decree will come to pass or if the desires and plans of the people will succeed [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].