In what way will the Lord make the people of Jerusalem “eat the flesh of their sons and daughters, and eat the flesh of their neighbours”?
Laying siege to major cities was a common strategy in battle in Jeremiah’s day and on January 15, 588 BC, Babylon laid siege to Jerusalem until food ran out on July 18, 586 BC (2 Kings 25:1–7; Jeremiah 52:6; Lamentations 2:20; Lamentations 4:10).1 The Lord speaks of this coming siege as being so severe that the people in the city will have to resort to cannibalism. The expression in the siege and in the distress, with which their enemies and those who seek their life afflict them
strongly reflects the words of Deuteronomy 28:53, Deuteronomy 28:55 Deuteronomy 28:57 which speak of the covenant curses. Not only do we see again the strong influence of Deuteronomy on Jeremiah’s message, but it is also very clear that the judgment that is coming is due to covenant unfaithfulness.2 The Lord is indeed being faithful to the covenant by finally sending judgment to Judah for her covenant unfaithfulness.
1 Thus says the LORD, “Go, buy a potter’s earthenware flask, and take some of the elders of the people and some of the elders of the priests,