Charles Ellicott Commentary Lamentations 1:5

"Her adversaries are become the head, her enemies prosper; For Jehovah hath afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions: Her young children are gone into captivity before the adversary." — Lamentations 1:5 (ASV)

Her adversaries are the chief, —Literally, have become the head (Deuteronomy 28:13).

Her enemies prosper; —Better, are at ease, secure from every resistance on her part. Before the enemy, driven, i.e., as slaves are driven.