ירמיהו, פרק מ״ד, פסוק ז׳

The prophet issues a stark warning to the exiled people regarding the disaster they are bringing upon themselves. The impending harm is entirely self-inflicted, as their own sins are the direct cause of their ruin [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This situation marks a dramatic escalation in divine punishment. In the past, the anger of God was largely directed at physical cities and buildings. Now, however, His judgment will strike directly at their very lives [מלבי״ם].

This destruction will be absolute and comprehensive, sparing no one, not even young children [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Historically, whenever the people faced severe judgment, a small group always survived. This time, the decree guarantees total annihilation, leaving absolutely no remnant behind.

The extreme severity of this judgment stems from the people continuously provoking God by burning incense to foreign idols. Their actions are especially offensive because they are committing these sins in the land of Egypt, a place where they arrived merely to seek temporary refuge, unlike their permanent former residence in Judah. Because of this persistent rebellion, their punishment will be twofold. They will face complete extinction, and they will become a curse in the eyes of the surrounding nations who witness both their sinful behavior and their devastating collapse [מלבי״ם].