Lamentations 1:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

They surrendered their cherished possessions for sustenance, seeking to redeem their lives; or out of desperation for the flesh of their own children, or by parting with everything they owned merely to ensure the survival of their souls.

In the context of famine, the term 'coveted' used by the Prophet pertains to infants who were consumed. He implores God’s mercy, saying, “See, O Lord, and look upon them, for they are dishonored.” He also beseeches those who traverse the city to take note of his unparalleled anguish. The Lord states, “And it was brought upon me, by him who spoke of me,” indicating that this was solely commanded, resulting in six disasters that struck me. The Syrian translation renders this as “he slew me,” or “he boiled me.” Through this, the Prophet illustrates the divine retribution that descended upon Jerusalem.