There was probably an intention of seating colonists into the country from some other part of the Empire, as the Assyrians had done in Samaria 2 Kings 17:24.
Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary
The city and temple were burnt, and, it is probable, the ark in it. By this, God showed how little he cares for the outward pomp of his worship, when the life and power of religion are neglected. The walls of Jerusalem were thrown down, and the people carried captive to Babylon. The vessels of the temple were carried away. When the things signified were sinned away, what should the signs stand there for? It was righteous with God to deprive those of the benefit of his worship, who had preferred false worships before it; those that would have many altars, now shall have none. As the Lord spared not the angels that sinned, as he doomed the whole race of fallen men to the grave, and all unbelievers to hell, and as he spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, we need not wonder at any miseries he may bring upon guilty nations, churches, or persons.
SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7
12. The poor. See 2 Kings 24:14; Jer. 39:10; 40:7; 52:16. Only a remnant of the poor were left in the country, and lands were given to them for cultivation. It was hoped that they might prove to be a nucleus of Jews loyal to Babylon.