God held the priests and prophets guilty to such an extent that he himself scattered them among the nations. The Babylonians were his instruments in doing this: they showed respect for no one, not even for important leaders or elderly people. This lack of respect for rank and age is also part of God’s curse (Deuteronomy 28:49–50).
16 The LORD himself has scattered them; he will regard them no more; no honor was shown to the priests, no favor to the elders.