Definition: Their heart cried unto the Lord, O wall of the daughter of Zion, let tears run down like a river day and night: give thyself no rest; let not the apple of thine eye cease.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really powerful and emotional passage about grief and desperation. Here’s an explanation in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about profound sorrow and a desperate plea for help when something terrible happens. It describes a heart filled with pain so intense it practically wants to cry out to God. Let's unpack the parts: “Lamentations 2:18” : This refers to a specific story in the Bible – a lament, which is a mournful expression of grief or sorrow. It’s about a time when a woman named Jerusalem (often associated with the Jewish city of Jerusalem) was deeply upset. “Their heart cried unto the Lord…” : This means that the people who were grieving felt so heartbroken and filled with pain that they turned to God for comfort and help. It wasn't just sadness; it was a deep, aching feeling. “…O wall of the daughter of Zion…” : This is a poetic way of saying “God” – referring to the Jewish people and their leader, Zion (which historically represented Israel). “Daughter of Zion” is a significant name in Jewish tradition and symbolizes the land of Judah. "...let tears run down like a river day and night…” : This is the most important part for understanding the verse’s message. It describes an overwhelming outpouring of grief. The image of tears flowing "day and night" emphasizes the intensity of this sorrow – it's not just a few tears; it’s a constant, persistent stream. “give thyself no rest; let not the apple of thine eye cease.” : This is the core of the message: “give thyself no rest…” : This means don’t stop feeling sad or worried. Don't give in to despair. Keep searching for comfort and hope. “…let not the apple of thine eye cease” : This is a very poignant image – imagine your beautiful, bright eye (your "apple") being constantly focused on pain and loss. It’s like holding onto hope even when it feels impossible. Don't let that hope fade away. Overall Meaning & Significance: The verse conveys a message of profound suffering and the importance of clinging to faith and hope during difficult times. It's about acknowledging your grief, allowing yourself to feel it, but also remembering God’s presence and strength. It encourages resilience – to not give up on finding comfort in God’s love and to keep holding onto that light even when things are dark. In short, the verse is a reminder that deep sorrow can be overcome by continuing to seek God's help and holding onto hope. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse further with a specific example from the Bible? Discuss its significance in a broader context of faith or suffering?