en_tn_condensed/jer/41/18.md

because of the Chaldeans

It is implied that they were afraid that the Chaldeans would attack them. Alternate translation: "because they thought the Chaldeans may attack them" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit)

in charge of the land

Here "land" represents the people. Alternate translation: "in charge of the people of Judah" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy)