The answer is: Lamentations

Lam 1:1

The poignant line "How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people" opens the Book of Lamentations, a heart-wrenching, poetic reflection on the deep sorrow experienced by the people of Jerusalem after its destruction. Authored traditionally by the Prophet Jeremiah, this book serves as an expression of grief and regret, covering themes of loss, desolation, and hope for eventual restoration.

What’s fascinating about Lamentations is the acrostic format of its poems. Each chapter of the book corresponds to each letter of the Hebrew alphabet, inviting readers to meditate deeply — not just on the words, but on the systematic way in which sorrow is expressed. The lament is not just about Jerusalem's physical destruction, but about the spiritual desolation that follows; the city was once a thriving center of worship with communities seeking divine connection.

And Did You Know? The place Jerusalem itself means "City of Peace," yet the narrative of Lamentations unfolds a contrasting story. Interestingly, other well-known biblical figures faced moments of profound loss and grief. For instance, the tears of David mourning for Saul echo the city's sorrow—both show how public devastation mirrors personal loss. In legends, Jerusalem’s future restoration is likened to blossoming flowers emerging through the cracks of old city stones, symbolizing hope even in desolation.