Book of Lamentations - Chapter 2 - Verse 18

This verse from the Book of Lamentations is a poignant plea from the heart of the people of Zion to the Lord. The image of a wall, typically a symbol of strength and protection, is used to convey the vulnerability and sorrow of Zion. The metaphor of tears flowing like a river day and night emphasizes the intensity and continuity of their grief. The command to give oneself no rest and to let not the apple of thine eye cease highlights the urgency and desperation of their prayers. This verse captures the deep emotional turmoil and sense of helplessness experienced by the people of Zion as they cry out to the Lord for comfort and deliverance.

In this verse, the people are crying out to God in their distress and their anguish is compared to a wall. The daughter of Zion symbolizes the city of Jerusalem, and the wall represents its strength and protection. The plea for tears to run down like a river day and night emphasizes the intensity of the sorrow and mourning the people are experiencing. The phrase "give thyself no rest" and "let not the apple of thine eye cease" convey the sense of urgency and desperation in their prayers. The apple of thine eye is a poetic way of referring to something precious or cherished, so the people are asking God to continually watch over and protect them, not allowing any harm to come to the city. This verse illustrates the deep connection between the people of Jerusalem and their reliance on God for comfort, protection, and deliverance.