ירמיהו, פרק נ״ב, פסוק כ״ז

The final collapse of the Kingdom of Judah was marked by the systematic dismantling of its government. The individuals put to death by the king of Babylon were the high-ranking officials and personal advisors to King Zedekiah. Nebuchadnezzar ordered their execution because he held them directly responsible as active partners in the rebellion against his rule [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Following these executions, the people of Judah were forced into exile [מצודת ציון]. The elimination of the political leadership was the ultimate blow to the nation. With the government completely wiped out, the tragic process of uprooting the people of Judah from their homeland was finally completed [ביאור שטיינזלץ].