Thomas Aquinas Commentary Lamentations 4:2

"The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, How are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!" — Lamentations 4:2 (ASV)

Here he explains what he said above: noble, because from a holy race; with the first, that is, the best, gold, namely, wisdom. All gold in comparison of her is as a little sand . As earthen vessels, that is, a weak and lowly people. And now, O Lord, you are our father, and we are clay (Isaiah 64:8).