How. Alas! or,. how! Hebrew. 'eykah. an exclamation of pain and grief,. wailing cry (preserved in Eng. " jackal "). The Massorah (App-30) points out that this exclamation is used by three prophets, concerning Israel:
(1) by Moses in her multiplication (Deuteronomy 1:12. Compare Lamentations 1:11);
(2) by Isaiah in her dissipation (Isaiah 1:21);
(3) by Jeremiah in her desolation (Lamentations 1:1).
This word "How" is to be supplied at the beginning of verses: Lamentations 1:2-3 by Figure of speech Ellipsis (App-6). Compare also Lamentations 2:1; Lamentations 4:1. and Isaiah 14:12.
solitary: i.e. empty; referring to the houses and streets.