Although the Hebrew word for prince (sar), has a variety of uses in the Old Testament, princes in this context refers to the political, military, and civil leaders of Judah.1 It could be taken as referring to all the influential figures who had formed the leadership of Judah. These leaders, taken into exile, are compared to deer that find no pasture.
Like deer who are bewildered and would wander restless from place to place in search of food and pasture, the leaders, along with the people of Judah are emaciated, starving (see also Lamentations 1:11; Jeremiah 14:3). They tried to escape, but were powerless against the mighty Babylonian pursuers. They were either executed or deported.2 The thrust of this lament is that even the best leaders could save neither the city nor themselves. King Zedekiah and his army were easily overtaken and captured, 2 Kings 25:5-6.3
6 From the daughter of Zion all her majesty has departed. Her princes have become like deer that find no pasture; they fled without strength before the pursuer.