What is a cistern in the bible?

In the Bible, a cistern is a large tank or underground chamber used for storing and collecting water. Cisterns were essential in ancient times for storing water in arid regions where natural sources of water were scarce.

Cisterns are frequently mentioned in the Bible as important sources of water, particularly in the desert regions of the Middle East. For example, in the book of Genesis, Joseph was thrown into a cistern by his jealous brothers before being sold into slavery.

In the book of Jeremiah, cisterns are used as a metaphor for spiritual emptiness and moral decay. Jeremiah 2:13 says, "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water."

Overall, cisterns play a significant role in the Bible as symbols of sustenance, provision, and the importance of relying on God for spiritual nourishment.