For I have heard a voice of a woman in travail Here Jerusalem is very pathetically described by the character of a woman under the pangs of her first child-bearing, when her pains as well as her fears are usually greatest. Such, saith the prophet, shall be the anguish of Jerusalem, bewailing the loss of her children by the devouring sword of the Chaldeans, and in vain imploring comfort and assistance. That spreadeth her hands, &c. Spreading out the hands is the gesture of one displaying the helplessness of her condition, and imploring the aid of others.
“Ingemit, et duplices tendens ad sidera palmas, Talia voce refert.”
VIRGIL ÆN., I. 50:97.
“Struck with unusual fright, the Trojan chief, With outspread hands and eyes, invokes relief.” DRYDEN.