Matthew Poole and continuators on Jeremiah 15:4

4 And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth ; because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for that which he did in Hierusalem .

Though the body of the people were removed into Babylon, yet as it is more then probable that many of them fled into other Countries to save themselves; so there is no doubt, but the King of Babylon removed them into several Kingdoms belonging to his large Empire.

What Manasseh did may be read 2 Kings 21.11. He did wickedly, above all that the Amorites did, that were before him, and made also Iudah to sin with his Idols. verse 16. Moreover he shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled Ierusalem from one end to another, besides his sin wherewith be made Iudah to sin, &c. Some make a question whether God means the personal sins of Manasseh and his Ministers, or only the sins of the same kind that the Iewes still continued▪ Manasseh lived 55 years, his Son Iosiah 31 years, it was now the time of Iehojachim, the Son of Josiah, who Reigned but eleven years, and it is probable this was his fifth year, (for in that year he proclaimed the fast) for the drought, (as is supposed) chap. 36.9. Though the people were bad enough still, yet it is no way probable, that they were so bad as in the time of Manasseh. We know all Iosiahs time, the Father of this Prince, was a time of Reformation, though it be certain, much of their old leaven of Idolatry and Superstition was yet in them. Whatever therefore some think, God undoubtedly meaneth the guilt that Manasseh and his Subjects contracted, forty years before this time: Nor do I see any reason why any should question, whether it be consistent with the justice of God, to punish the sins of Parents upon their posterity, when it is no more then we see done every day, in the punishments of Traytors and Felons, by the siezing the Estates of their Children, and in Wars, upon the taking of Cities and fortified places, and it is no more then God hath threatned in the second Commandment, Exod. 20. and declared it as a piece of his name, Exod. 34. and done in a multitude of Scriptural instances. Manasseh is here named as the son of Hezekiah for his shame, because of his degeneracy from so good a Parent; it is expresly said, 2 Kings 23.6. that notwithstanding Josiah's Reformation, yet the Lord turned not from the fierceness of his wrath, kindled against Iudah for the provocations of Manasseh.

Marginal references: Heb. give them for a removing.; Deut. 28.25. chap. 24.9. Ezek. 23.46.; 2 King. 24.3.