The answer is: Boiled and ate them

Lam 4:10

While reading the Book of Lamentations, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by the desperate and dire situations faced by the people of Jerusalem during the Babylonian siege. In Chapter 4, verse 10, the vivid and horrifying image of women boiling and eating their own children offers a striking testament to the extremities of famine and despair. It's almost unfathomable, isn't it? This shocking fact reflects not just physical starvation but a deep spiritual crisis.

Interestingly, across various cultures, stories of dramatic hunger during sieges abound, underscoring a dark side of human survival instincts. Historically, the siege of Jerusalem lasted around 18 months, leading to extreme conditions. The Babylonians were resolute in their quest for control, which transformed the vibrant city into a haunting tableau of suffering.

Now consider this—biblical authors often used shocking imagery to signal deeper themes. Right before this gruesome reveal, Lamentations highlights the fallen state of once mighty warriors and priests. The echoes of suffering can also be found in Jesus' warnings about the pains of tribulation, suggesting a universal makeshift current of misery running through humanity’s history.

Moreover, this particularly graphic moment serves not only as a central memory of poverty but also acts as a catalyst urging readers to meditate on loss, community decline, and the absolute breakdown of ethical structures during crisis. It shows the profound need for compassion and recovery within our societies.