Lamentations 2:18

Their heart cried vnto the Lord, O wall of the daughter of Zion, let teares runne downe like a riuer, day and night: giue thy selfe no rest, let not the apple of thine eyes cease. Lamentations 2:18 (KJV)

Lamentations is an Old Testament book traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah. It was composed as a poetic expression of deep sorrow and mourning over the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC. Chapter 2, verse 18 belongs to a larger lament that voices the desperate cry of Zion’s people amid the ruins.

The phrase “Their heart cried unto the LORD” emphasizes the intensity and desperation of the plea. It is not a formal liturgy but a heartfelt outcry directed to the only One who can rescue them. The address “O wall of the daughter of Zion” follows the biblical convention of personifying a city as a woman; the wall represents the former strength and protection of Jerusalem, now breached and exposed.

“Let tears run down like a river day and night” vividly portrays unending grief. The image of a river conveys the constant flow of sorrow that has become a permanent part of their existence, reflecting the magnitude of loss. “Give thyself no rest” underscores the urgency of the people’s petition, urging God not to remain silent but to act on their behalf.

The concluding appeal “let not the apple of thine eye cease” invokes the biblical metaphor of the “apple of the eye” as something precious and cherished. The people plead that God’s compassionate gaze and care should not be withdrawn, acknowledging their total dependence on divine favor and protection.

Overall, Lamentations 2:18 captures the profound anguish of a devastated community, their relentless weeping, and their earnest request for God’s continued attention, mercy, and restoration. The verse invites readers to empathize with the depth of human sorrow and to trust in God’s steadfast love even in the darkest circumstances.