Definition and Context:
In biblical literature, "broken cisterns" is a metaphorical expression found in the book of Jeremiah, specifically in Jeremiah 2:13. The term is used to describe the futile and misguided efforts of the Israelites to find sustenance and security outside of their covenant relationship with God. Cisterns, in the ancient Near Eastern context, were man-made reservoirs designed to collect and store rainwater. A broken cistern, therefore, symbolizes a source that is unreliable and incapable of holding water, representing the emptiness and inadequacy of turning away from God.

Biblical Reference:
Jeremiah 2:13 states: "For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns—broken cisterns that cannot hold water."

Theological Significance:
The imagery of broken cisterns in Jeremiah 2:13 serves as a powerful indictment against idolatry and spiritual infidelity. God, through the prophet Jeremiah, accuses the Israelites of two primary sins: forsaking Him, the "fountain of living water," and constructing their own cisterns, which are broken and ineffective. This metaphor highlights the contrast between the life-giving, abundant provision of God and the barren, self-made solutions that humanity often pursues.

Symbolism of Water:
Water is a recurring symbol in the Bible, often representing life, purification, and divine blessing. In this context, God is depicted as the "fountain of living water," an inexhaustible source of spiritual nourishment and vitality. By turning away from this divine source, the Israelites are depicted as choosing spiritual drought and desolation.

Historical and Cultural Background:
In the arid climate of ancient Israel, water was a precious and scarce resource. Cisterns were essential for survival, especially during dry seasons. A broken cistern, therefore, would have been a significant liability, unable to fulfill its intended purpose. This cultural understanding amplifies the severity of the metaphor, as it underscores the futility and danger of relying on anything other than God for spiritual sustenance.

Application to Israel's Idolatry:
The broken cisterns metaphor is a critique of Israel's idolatry and alliances with foreign nations. By seeking security and identity in idols and political alliances, the Israelites abandoned their unique relationship with Yahweh. These pursuits are likened to broken cisterns—efforts that ultimately lead to disappointment and spiritual bankruptcy.

Relevance for Believers:
For contemporary believers, the metaphor of broken cisterns serves as a cautionary reminder to remain faithful to God and to seek fulfillment in Him alone. It challenges individuals to examine the "cisterns" they may be constructing in their own lives—whether material wealth, relationships, or personal achievements—and to consider whether these pursuits are drawing them away from the true source of life and satisfaction.

Conclusion:
The metaphor of broken cisterns in Jeremiah 2:13 continues to resonate as a timeless warning against the dangers of idolatry and self-reliance. It calls believers to recognize God as the ultimate source of life and to remain steadfast in their devotion to Him.