We remember the ones we would like to see restored. Paul, as a man, understood that there is nothing wrong with this type of emotion in weeping. And when He approached, He saw the city and wept over it. Weeping is the shedding of tears as an expression of emotion. It is an expression of grief, sorrow, frustration, lamentation, emotional stimulation, happiness, pain, or any overpowering emotion.
Weeping therefore can express either weakness or strength.
According to the word of God, there is weeping that is good for the soul and weeping that is detrimental. Legitimate weeping is related to genuine expressions of emotion, which are not related to the arrogance or emotion complexes of sins. Illegitimate weeping is related to both the arrogance and emotion complexes of sins, as well as the law of volitional responsibility. This illegitimate weeping is a manifestation of withdrawal, disorientation to the grace of God, frustration, and scar tissue of the soul. In the background to this passage, Moses had sent twelve men, one from each tribe, to spy out the promised land.