ירמיהו, פרק נ״ב, פסוק כ״ד

Beyond the physical spoils of war taken from the Temple, the highest levels of its spiritual and administrative leadership were also taken captive [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Among these captives was the primary spiritual leader, recognized as the High Priest [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alongside him, the captors took his deputy [רש״י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This deputy priest served directly under the High Priest, positioned to step in and assume his duties if any disqualifying event ever prevented the High Priest from serving [רש״י].

The captives also included individuals associated with the thresholds, referring to the doorposts of the Temple gates [מצודת ציון]. There are two primary ways to understand the exact role of these men. One approach views their position literally, identifying them as the guards who physically stood watch over the Temple gates [מצודת דוד, חומת אנך]. Another perspective suggests they were actually high-ranking officials within the Temple hierarchy. According to this view, they served as senior administrators entrusted with the keys to the main courtyard, the various chambers, and the valuable Temple treasures [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ, חומת אנך].