ירמיהו, פרק כ״ט, פסוק ב׳

The exile from Jerusalem was a major event that stripped the nation of its leadership and professional classes. This mass departure occurred when King Jeconiah left Jerusalem to surrender himself to the king of Babylon [מצודת דוד].

Accompanying the king into exile were the central figures of the royal court, including the queen. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers to the king's mother, who joined him in captivity, though there is a possibility it was the king's wife [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The departing group also consisted of high-ranking ministers, great men, and key officials of the royal house [רד״ק, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. These leaders are further identified as the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, which helps clarify exactly who these top officials were [מצודת דוד].

Beyond the royal court, the exile included specific groups of skilled individuals. There are two ways to understand their identities. A practical approach suggests these were physical laborers and professionals. This included groups of artisans and craftsmen, such as ironworkers, alongside the city's gatekeepers whose job was to secure the gates at the proper times [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Conversely, another approach understands these roles metaphorically, viewing them not as manual workers, but as the wise men and advisors of Jerusalem [ביאור שטיינזלץ].