1. Lamentations 2:18 (NEG79)
  2. Explication du texte

What is the meaning of the summons of Lamentations 2:18?

Lamentations 2:18 (NEG79)

18 Leur cœur crie vers le Seigneur… Mur de la fille de Sion, répands jour et nuit des torrents de larmes! Ne te donne aucun répit, Et que ton œil n'ait point de repos!

The writer encourages the people to cry out to God. He alone can give salvation in times of need. They are exhorted to do this without ceasing. Therefore, this cry must be made amidst abundant tears, while their eyes may rest neither day nor night. Like an ever-flowing stream, the tears must continue to flow.1 At this stage of the poem, it is not certain whether the tears and summons to cry to God is out of true repentance that would be due to an acknowledgement of guilt. It could simply be because of their intense suffering, without any true contrition.2