Deu 28:56-57, Lam 2:20 | JFB | STEP | 53-57. And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body —(See ). Such were the dreadful extremities to which the inhabitants during the siege were reduced that many women sustained a wretched existence by eating the flesh of their own children. Parental affection was extinguished, and the nearest relatives were jealously, avoided, lest they should discover and demand a share of the revolting viands.

Deuteronomy 28:56-57

53-57. And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body—(See 2Ki 6:29; La 4:10). Such were the dreadful extremities to which the inhabitants during the siege were reduced that many women sustained a wretched existence by eating the flesh of their own children. Parental affection was extinguished, and the nearest relatives were jealously, avoided, lest they should discover and demand a share of the revolting viands.

Lamentations 2:20

20. women eat . . . fruit—as threatened (Le 26:29; De 28:53, 56, 57; Jer 19:9).

children . . . span long—or else, "children whom they carry in their arms" [MAURER].

Schin.