To "lift up his eyes" means to look at something. Alternate translation: "look toward heaven" or "look upward" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
This is a physical expression of great sorrow, and shows this man's repentance and humility. Alternate translation: "hit his breast to show his sorrow" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])