In two consecutive statements the results are described as follows:
our heart has become sick;
our eyes have grown dim.
Firstly, the realization of their sin and misery made the writer, on behalf of the people, state that their hearts have become sick. This comment is similar to Lamentations 1:13, where it is stated that God’s judgment has left Jerusalem faint all the day long.
1 This weakened state is also described in Lamentations 1:22. The term faint
indicates weakness that has taken away their vitality and zest for life.2 They were deeply depressed and discouraged. Secondly, this led to excessive crying, which made their eyes grow dim
(see also Psalm 69:23).3 As a result of their tears, their vision became blurry (see also Lamentations 1:16; Lamentations 2:11; Lamentations 3:49).
17 For this our heart has become sick, for these things our eyes have grown dim,