1)
Why did they cry?
1.
Chomas Anach: They were not inspired to repent, just they cried. Even so, Hashem accepted their submissiveness and crying.
2.
Malbim: They realized that they did foolishly.
Why did they cry?
Chomas Anach: They were not inspired to repent, just they cried. Even so, Hashem accepted their submissiveness and crying.
Malbim: They realized that they did foolishly.