Dried-up springs. The East is dry, with few springs and little rain. It was a tragic disappointment for a thirsty traveler to come to a spring and find it dried-up. Peter says the false teachers are like that. They promise much but actually give nothing. Clouds. The farmer was equally disappointed to see clouds that promised rain, but gave none. Compare Jude 1:12 and notes. God has reserved. In scripture, darkness symbolizes a condition of misery without hope. Compare Matthew 8:12. Here Peter is talking about eternal punishment.

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Old Testament