Tsamah (H6777) refers to thirst or longing, and in certain contexts a veil or lock of hair. The thirst imagery is powerfully spiritual — the parched land longs for water as the soul longs for God. This craving for the divine is one of Scripture's deepest metaphors.
The psalmist's soul pants and thirsts for God as the deer pants for water (Psalm 42:2). Isaiah invites the thirsty to come and drink freely (Isaiah 55:1). Jesus takes up this imagery at the Feast of Tabernacles: 'Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink' (John 7:37). The final invitation of Revelation 22:17 echoes this theme: 'Let whoever is thirsty come.'