Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Kings 24:14

"And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valor, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and the smiths; none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land." — 2 Kings 24:14 (ASV)

The entire number of captives was not more than 11,000. They consisted of three classes:

1. The “princes” or “mighty of the land,” that is, courtiers, priests, elders, and all who had any position or dignity, numbering 3,000 (compare 2 Kings 24:14 and 2 Kings 24:16).
2. The “mighty men of valor” or “men of might,” that is, the soldier class, numbering 7,000.
3. Craftsmen or artisans, numbering 1,000. The word translated here as “craftsmen” denotes artisans in stone, wood, or metal, and thus includes our “masons, carpenters, and smiths.” The word translated as “smiths” strictly means “lock-smiths.”

The purpose of carrying off these people was twofold:

1. It deprived the conquered city of those artisans who were most useful in war.
2. It gave the conqueror a number of valuable assistants for the construction of his buildings and other great works.

The Assyrian monarchs frequently recorded their removal of skilled artisans from a conquered country.

Based on its area, the population of the ancient city has been calculated at 15,000. The remnant left behind was therefore about 5,000 to 6,000.