Underground chambers for storing water. Biblical references to cisterns include declaration of their ritual purity (Lev 11:36) and mention of normal private use (2Kgs 18:31; Prov 5:15; Isa 36:16) and of special construction to allow a city to survive a siege (Jer 41:9). They were a form of prison (Jer 38:7); an intended instrument of death (Jer 38:6-9) from which rescue was sometimes possible (Jer 38:10-13); a burial site (Jer 41:9); a symbol of unearned grace (Deut 6:11); hiding places (1Sam 13:6); a symbol of wealth (2Chr 26:10) or rich booty (Neh 9:25); and a symbol of unfaithfulness leading to futility (Jer 2:13) and destruction (Jer 14:3).
