2 Kings 24:16
And all the men of might, even seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths a thousand, all that were strong and apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon. And all the men of might, even seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths a thousand, all that were strong and apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.
The king of Babylon carried Judah's strong and skilled men who were fit for war captive to Babylon. Those taken numbered seven thousand men of might and one thousand craftsmen and smiths, all strong and apt for war. By removing these groups Nebuchadnezzar stripped Judah of its military strength and its skilled workers.
Their removal was part of God's scattering of His people so that the knowledge of His truth could reach other nations. If the captives remained loyal, true, and submissive, God would bring them back.