But Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the
forces
Who were united in their resolution to go into Egypt, contrary to the declared will of God: took all the remnant of Judah, that were returned from all nations
whither they had been driven, to dwell in the land of Judah;
both such who were left in the land, when the rest were carried captive into Babylon, more particularly mentioned in ( Jeremiah 43:6 ) ; and those, who upon the invasion of the land, and siege of Jerusalem, had fled to other countries, but now were returned from thence, in order to settle in it; having heard that a governor from among the Jews was appointed over it; as from Moab, Ammon, Edom, and other countries; see ( Jeremiah 40:11 Jeremiah 40:12 ) ; these, some of their own accord, others through persuasion, and others by force, went along with, or were taken and carried by the above captains into Egypt.