ירמיהו, פרק י״ד, פסוק ד׳

A severe drought leaves a deep mark not only on the parched earth but also on the spirit of those who work it. The unfolding tragedy is presented as a direct chain of cause and effect, establishing the harsh conditions early on to explain exactly why the agricultural workers react with such intense despair [רד״ק, שטיינזלץ]. Without any rain falling in the Land of Israel [רד״ק], the ground itself is utterly ruined, breaking apart and cracking under the dry conditions [מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד, שטיינזלץ].

Facing this shattered landscape, the men who plow and tend the fields [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת ציון] are overcome with shame and cover their heads. Their deep sense of disgrace and hopelessness stems from the crushing realization that all their exhausting labor has been completely for nothing [מצודת דוד]. Yet, their reaction goes beyond the immediate heartbreak of a failed crop. The sight of the cracked earth serves as a grim warning of what is to come, as the farmers know this ruin will inevitably lead to the agonizing pain and shame of starvation [מלבי״ם].