Jeremiah 14:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Onagers find themselves on rocky ground where the wind offers some respite. As a wild creature, this animal roams the fields, damaging the crops. The Prophet describes how this beast is weakened due to the drought. The phrase “brasha wind” connects to the Hebrew interpretation of inhaling air as if an animal were conceiving. It is akin to describing the sphinx's experience. Enjoying the force of the wind, it resembles an act of union, as onagers succumb to the wind's embrace from hunger, finding solace in the gusts that flow around them.

A more fitting interpretation of “brasha wind” alongside “as zmieves” suggests that they emit sounds of distress due to hunger. It is typical for mute creatures such as donkeys and horses to vocalize when food is scarce, a behavior notably displayed by the onager. The phrase “Brasha, as zmieve” conveys that just as these creatures produce a loud hissing noise, onagers will likewise emit a recognizable roar when deprived of nourishment. Some Syrians note that the term “as serpents” is not present in the Biblical text, while others remark that serpents are often nourished by the wind. The prophet includes the onagers to illustrate the calamity resulting from the drought. It is noteworthy that the Hebrew text utilizes the term “tannim,” meaning 'jackals,' whereas the Greek translation refers to them as “taniin,” which also denotes 'serpent.'

The prophet also notes that the hedgehogs gave birth in the fields and abandoned their young, driven by hunger to seek nourishment elsewhere. This is revealed in the paths that once carried the flowing waters of springs but are now dried up, having vanished along their courses. It is illustrated in their efforts to traverse rough paths in search of water, yet they discovered none and sighed as they sought the cool breeze to alleviate their thirst.

Similarly, the wild donkeys, referred to in Job, “Who is he that letteth the donkey go free?” (Job 39:5), when they venture away from the fertile fields, find themselves on rocky heights; unable to gallop, they pant as dragons do, their vision impaired, unable to gaze upon the brilliance of the light, for they lack spiritual sustenance. This spiritual drought frequently manifests within the churches, where deer and wild donkeys are present among the faithful, and when they become weak from the dearth of instructors, as there is one who can teach but no one to learn.

“Why do You appear as a stranger in the land,” and “like a resident alien?” The Syrian interpreter conveys these words: “like a resident alien,” “like a sojourner.” The Prophet laments, why do You hold us in contempt, appearing as one removed from us, disinterested in the homes You inhabit, as if You were merely passing through?