THEOSISJerome of Stridon
And the Lord spoke to me, saying, "Son of man, consume your bread with apprehension, and drink your water in haste and sorrow." Proclaim to the people in the land, "Thus says the Lord God to those who reside in Jerusalem and in the land of Israel: they will eat their bread with trepidation and drink their water in want, for the land will suffer from a shortage due to the wickedness of its inhabitants. The cities that are currently inhabited will face destruction, and the land will become desolate, and you shall recognize that I am the Lord."
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Following the revelation regarding the prince and his companions, which was delivered in the form of a physical likeness, the focus shifts to the people. Everything that was relayed to the prophet is now conveyed by him to the residents of Jerusalem. During the time of distress amid the siege, they will experience bread with grief and scarcity and will drink water not in abundance but with anguish and distress. This message is meant for you, O prophet, that you may inform the people of your land, saying, "Thus says the Lord God to those who dwell in Jerusalem, which is in the land of Israel: You who are besieged by Nebuchadnezzar and the Chaldeans will suffer the affliction of famine and thirst; the entire land will be ruined together with all who inhabit it, reflecting the condition of its dwellers.
Do not let them believe this has occurred without cause. Tell them that due to their iniquity, all the cities of the Jews will be turned to desolation, and the entire population will perish, so that they may recognize the just God, whom they ignored during His mercy towards them. In a profound way, we may see the inhabitants of Jerusalem as those who believe in Christ and dwell within the Church. Should they earn His anger through sin, they will consume bread with scarcity and partake of water with sadness and lamentation, craving not merely bread or water, but desiring the word and doctrine of God.
When, whether due to the failings of leaders destined to be taken captive by the Babylonians or our own persistence, we lose the word of God and are left wanting for the nourishment we require, then our sustenance will be accompanied by grief and deficit, and the earth will be deprived of a multitude of believers. The cities, understood as the Churches throughout the world, will be laid waste, leading to a desolate land, so that all may discern the Lord’s displeasure. This can also be understood in the context of times of persecution.