Thomas Aquinas Commentary Lamentations 1:2

"She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks; Among all her lovers she hath none to comfort her: All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they are become her enemies." — Lamentations 1:2 (ASV)

Here, the prophet weeps over the violation of friendship.

1. First, he shows the necessity of friends: weeping, as Jerusalem was continually pressed by various adversaries; in the night, in private for fear of enemies or in adversity; and on her cheeks, because there was no one to wipe her tears away. Every night I will wash my bed; I will water my couch with my tears (Psalms 6:7).
2. Second, the withdrawal of aid: there is none to comfort her, by offering help against her enemies; among all who were dear to her, meaning the Egyptians and her other allies. I saw the oppressions that are done under the sun, and the tears of the innocent, and they had no comforter (Ecclesiastes 4:1).
3. Third, the change of affections: all her friends. He has put my brethren far from me, and my acquaintance like strangers have departed from me (Job 19:13).

At the top of this verse is placed the letter beth, which is translated “house,” because the house of Jacob is weeping.

This is the thirteenth topic of complaint.“The thirteenth is a topic used when we complain with great indignation that we are mistreated by those who, above all others, should not have done so—such as our relatives, or friends whom we have served and from whom we expected help; or when it is shameful to be mistreated by certain people—such as slaves, freedmen, clients, or suppliants” (Cicero, De inventione 1.55).

Allegorically, the Church weeps over her adversities.

In this interpretation, on her cheeks represents the prelates. Among all who were dear to her refers to the holy angels. They have despised her by complying with divine justice.

Morally, the soul weeps.

In this sense, in the night represents her sins. On her cheeks is the conscience, where a person’s actions speak. Among all who were dear to her refers to one's private affections, which have despised the affections of depraved enjoyment.