Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 9 - Verse 18
Meaning
This verse is a call to action for people to mourn and lament the impending doom and destruction that the speaker is foreseeing. The urgency expressed in the phrase "let them make haste, and take up a wailing for us" signals the need for immediate and intense mourning. The use of the word "wailing" suggests a deep and vocal expression of sorrow and grief. The purpose of this mourning is to evoke an emotional response, as indicated by the desire for tears to flow freely from the eyes, and for the eyelids to gush out with waters. This imagery emphasizes the intensity and depth of the grief that is being called for. Overall, this verse encourages a cathartic release of emotions through lamentation and mourning, in response to a tragic and imminent situation.
Theological Overview
Within this verse, there is a call for lamentation and mourning, with a sense of urgency expressed through the phrase "make haste." The use of wailing and tears symbolizes deep grief and sorrow, emphasizing the profound emotions experienced by the speaker. The pouring out of tears symbolizes a release of emotions and a cathartic process of expressing one's innermost feelings. The imagery of eyes running down with tears and eyelids gushing out with water serves to vividly portray the intensity of the mourning being called for. This verse highlights the rawness and authenticity of human emotions, urging the listeners to engage in a heartfelt expression of grief.