The term "bald locust" appears in the context of dietary laws given to the Israelites in the Old Testament. Specifically, it is mentioned in the book of Leviticus, which outlines various clean and unclean animals. The bald locust is one of the creatures that the Israelites were permitted to eat.

Biblical Reference:

Leviticus 11:22 states: "Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket, or grasshopper." The bald locust is included in this list, indicating that it was considered a clean insect, permissible for consumption under Mosaic Law.

Description and Identification:

The bald locust is generally understood to be a type of locust, a member of the grasshopper family. The term "bald" may refer to a specific characteristic of this locust, possibly its smooth or shiny appearance compared to other locusts. However, the exact identification of the bald locust in modern terms is not definitively known, as ancient classifications do not always align with contemporary taxonomy.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, locusts were a common food source, especially in times of scarcity. They were often dried or roasted and could be a valuable source of protein. The inclusion of the bald locust among clean animals highlights the practical and dietary considerations of the Mosaic Law, which provided guidelines for the health and well-being of the Israelite community.

Theological Significance:

The dietary laws, including the permission to eat certain insects like the bald locust, served to set the Israelites apart from surrounding nations. These laws were part of a broader covenantal framework that emphasized holiness and obedience to God's commands. By adhering to these dietary restrictions, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to God's covenant and their distinct identity as His chosen people.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

While the bald locust itself does not carry significant symbolic weight in biblical literature, locusts in general are often associated with judgment and destruction, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 10:12-15) and the prophetic imagery in Joel and Revelation. However, the permission to eat locusts, including the bald locust, underscores a theme of provision and sustenance from God, even in creatures that might otherwise be seen as agents of devastation.

Modern Relevance:

For contemporary readers, the mention of the bald locust in Leviticus serves as a reminder of the historical and cultural context of the biblical text. It also invites reflection on the broader principles of dietary laws, such as the call to holiness and the importance of distinguishing between clean and unclean, which can be applied to spiritual and ethical living today.Bald Locust

BALD LOCUST

bold lo'kust.

See LOCUST.

5556. solam -- a locust
... Apparently from the same as cela' in the sense of crushing as with a rock, ie Consuming;
a kind of locust (from its destructiveness) -- bald locust. ...
/hebrew/5556.htm - 6k

The Clean and the Unclean
... lifts his eye up to heaven; he sees the osprey, the bald eagle, flying ... the flowers;
now every creeping thing, and every insect, except the locust, was unclean ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the clean and the unclean.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... feathery tamarisk[*] and the nabk, the moringa, the carob, or locust tree several ...
In hollows of the hills, eagle and falcon, the merlin, the bald-headed vulture ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

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