The answer is: Boiled and ate them

Lam 4:10

In the chilling and somber setting of Lamentations 4:10, we encounter a depiction of the desperation faced by the besieged people of Jerusalem. The horrific image of women boiling and eating their children pins back a sharp-stabbing reality—this was no ordinary famine or military siege, but a time of cataclysmic suffering. The author of Lamentations speaks not only of physical loss but layers faithful lamentation over psychological trauma and the breakdown of societal norms.

This isn’t just a sad chapter in ancient history, but it echoes through time—through echoes of poverty, famine, and civil strife still seen in the world today. Sadly, when faced with extreme circumstances, some individuals make gut-wrenching choices that reveal the depths of human despair. Lamentations itself is an entire book dedicated to mourning, much like how Psalms includes cries of anguish but juxtaposes it with praise.

Interestingly, scripture often uses stark contrasts—the joyous celebrations of harvest festivals are mentioned alongside the harrowing accounts like this one. Furthermore, the biblical narrative carries through that human struggles lead not only to tragedy but can serve to reaffirm faith. Proverbs also emphasizes the wisdom found in reflection upon suffering: "By the tears of those suffering is wisdom delivered." It’s a reminder that through dreadful moments in life, understanding, resilience, and ultimately, a hope for restoration may become apparent—in both ancient Jerusalem and, by extension, our lives today.