1. Jeremiah 14:4 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why do the farmers cover their heads in shame?

Jeremiah 14:4 (ESV)

4 Because of the ground that is dismayed, since there is no rain on the land, the farmers are ashamed; they cover their heads.

The second picture describes the impact the drought has had on farmers. The ground itself is dismayed. The Hebrew word is hatat and it literally means to be dismayed or to be broken in pieces. The ground itself is simply unable to yield any crops due to a lack of rain on the land. Just like the servants in Jeremiah 14:3, the farmers are also ashamed and they too cover their heads. This refers to those who are hired to work the lands, demonstrating the impact the drought has on those with the lowest social status and on the nobles alike.1