Thomas Aquinas Commentary Lamentations 1:16

"For these things I weep; mine eye, mine eye runneth down with water; Because the comforter that should refresh my soul is far from me: My children are desolate, because the enemy hath prevailed." — Lamentations 1:16 (ASV)

Here, he weeps over the withdrawal of consolation.

1. He speaks of the sorrow of mourning: weeping. Who will give water to my head? (Jeremiah 9:1).
2. He states the reason for the sorrow: because the comforter is far from me. This comforter (the Egyptian) is the one who should be changing his state from the misery he now suffers to his original prosperity. You have put away my acquaintance far from me (Psalms 88:8).
3. He speaks of the effect of this sorrow: my children are desolate. For the consequence of a lack of help is the enemy's power and the people's captivity. My people have been a lost flock (Jeremiah 50:6).