Albert Barnes Commentary Jeremiah 14:3

"And their nobles send their little ones to the waters: they come to the cisterns, and find no water; they return with their vessels empty; they are put to shame and confounded, and cover their heads." — Jeremiah 14:3 (ASV)

Little ones – mean ones, the common people. The word is unique to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 48:4).

The pits – that is, tanks for holding water.

Covered their heads – The sign of grief.