In 2 Kings 25:13–17 we are told about the robbing of the temple of the Lord. Note that in 2 Kings 25:13 and 2 Kings 25:16 the temple is described in such a manner as to show that the Lord allows this and has no problem with it (see also 2 Kings 25:9).
For the bronze pillars, see also 1 Kings 7:16–17, and 1 Kings 7:21. The pillars had the names Jachin and Boaz. They stood at the entrance of the temple, so that everyone who entered, saw them.
Jachin means he shall establish, and Boaz is the grandfather of David. Every temple visitor thus knew that the dynasty of David was established by the Lord.
Now it becomes evident that this is no automatic guarantee for continuous support. When the king and the people leave the Lord, he lets them feel the consequences by leaving his people. The Lord does this more often. He disciplines with that which the people themselves choose. So also, in the most far-reaching way: whoever choses for a life without God gets what he wants for ever.
And carried the bronze to Babylon
—this phrase shows that Babylon just valued the metal. Unlike with other nations, there was no statue of the gods that could be carried triumphantly to Babel. The Lord continues to distinguish himself from the fake idols, even when his temple is being destroyed.
13 And the pillars of bronze that were in the house of the LORD, and the stands and the bronze sea that were in the house of the LORD, the Chaldeans broke in pieces and carried the bronze to Babylon.