Locusts are a type of grasshopper known for their ability to form large swarms that can devastate crops and vegetation. In the Bible, locusts are often associated with divine judgment and are mentioned in various contexts, both literal and symbolic.

Biblical References:

1. Plague of Locusts in Egypt: One of the most notable mentions of locusts in the Bible is during the plagues of Egypt. The eighth plague, as described in Exodus 10:12-15, involved a swarm of locusts that covered the land of Egypt, consuming all the plants and fruits left after the previous plagues. This event was a direct act of God to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. The Berean Standard Bible states: "So Moses stretched out his staff over the land of Egypt, and the LORD sent an east wind upon the land all that day and all that night. By morning the east wind had brought the locusts."

2. Symbol of Judgment: Locusts are also used symbolically in the Bible to represent judgment and destruction. In the book of Joel, a locust invasion is described as a harbinger of the Day of the Lord. Joel 1:4 says, "What the devouring locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust has left, the young locust has eaten; and what the young locust has left, the destroying locust has eaten." This passage emphasizes the totality of destruction that locusts can bring, serving as a metaphor for divine retribution.

3. Vision of Locusts in Revelation: In the New Testament, locusts appear in the apocalyptic visions of Revelation. Revelation 9:3 describes a scene where locusts emerge from the smoke of the Abyss: "And out of the smoke, locusts descended on the earth, and they were given power like that of the scorpions of the earth." These locusts are not ordinary insects but are part of a symbolic vision representing a period of intense suffering and tribulation.

4. John the Baptist's Diet: Locusts are also mentioned in the context of John the Baptist's ascetic lifestyle. In Matthew 3:4 , it is noted that "John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey." This reference highlights the simplicity and austerity of John's life as he prepared the way for Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, locusts were a well-known phenomenon, and their swarms could lead to severe agricultural damage and famine. The biblical accounts of locusts reflect both the natural occurrence of these insects and their theological significance as instruments of God's will. The imagery of locusts in the Bible often conveys themes of repentance, divine judgment, and the need for spiritual renewal.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, locusts serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation and His power to use natural elements to fulfill His purposes. The biblical narratives involving locusts call believers to recognize the seriousness of sin and the importance of turning to God in repentance and faith.Locust's (1 Occurrence)

Deuteronomy 28:42
All your trees and the fruit of your land will be the locust's.
(BBE)

Locust's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Locust's (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 28:42 All your
trees and the fruit of your land will be the locust's. (BBE). ...
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Locusts (33 Occurrences)
... There remained not one locust in all the borders of Egypt. ... (See NIV). Deuteronomy
28:42 All thy trees and the fruit of thy land shall the locust possess. ...
/l/locusts.htm - 16k

Locust-swarm (1 Occurrence)
Locust-swarm. Locust's, Locust-swarm. Lod . Multi-Version Concordance
Locust-swarm (1 Occurrence). Amos 7:1 Thus hath ...
/l/locust-swarm.htm - 6k

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