The Judeans in Egypt were now free from their covenant obligations to the Lord. However, they also lost covenant protection. By choosing to end their relationship with the God of Israel, they gave up all privileges. They could not pray or make oaths in God's name. Still, the Lord would not be absent from their lives, as he would ensure that disaster affected them. Those who turned to the Lord in repentance would receive salvation and blessings. Even in Egypt, a small group of people, like Jeremiah and Baruch, trusted in the Lord.