A locust-swarm is a significant biblical phenomenon often associated with divine judgment, agricultural devastation, and calls for repentance. In the Bible, locusts are depicted as agents of God's wrath, bringing about destruction and serving as a metaphor for overwhelming calamity.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 10:12-15: The most notable account of a locust-swarm is found in the narrative of the plagues of Egypt. God commands Moses to stretch out his hand over Egypt, and a swarm of locusts descends upon the land, consuming every plant and fruit left after the hail. The Berean Standard Bible states: "They covered the face of all the land, so that the land was darkened, and they devoured every plant in the land and all the fruit of the trees that the hail had left. Nothing green remained on any tree or plant in the field throughout the land of Egypt."

2. Joel 1:4: The prophet Joel vividly describes a locust-swarm as a harbinger of the Day of the Lord. The BSB records: "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 brought by successive waves of locusts, symbolizing complete desolation.

3. Joel 2:25: In a message of hope and restoration, God promises to repay the years consumed by the locust-swarm. The BSB states: "I will repay you for the years eaten by locusts—the swarming locust, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust—My great army that I sent against you." This verse highlights God's sovereignty and mercy, offering restoration after judgment.

4. Revelation 9:3-7: In the apocalyptic vision of John, locusts emerge from the smoke of the abyss, symbolizing a demonic force unleashed upon the earth. The BSB describes them as having power like that of scorpions and being commanded not to harm the grass or plants but only those without the seal of God on their foreheads. This imagery underscores the locust-swarm as a symbol of divine judgment and spiritual warfare.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In biblical literature, locust-swarms are often symbolic of divine retribution and a call to repentance. They serve as a reminder of human vulnerability and the need for reliance on God's provision and protection. The devastation caused by locusts is a tangible representation of the consequences of sin and disobedience, urging individuals and nations to turn back to God.

The locust-swarm also illustrates the theme of restoration and hope. Despite the destruction they bring, God's promise to restore what has been lost offers a powerful message of redemption and renewal. This duality of judgment and mercy is a recurring theme throughout the biblical narrative, reflecting God's justice and compassion.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, locust-swarms were a well-known natural disaster, capable of decimating crops and causing famine. The biblical accounts resonate with the historical experiences of agrarian societies, where locust invasions were both feared and seen as acts of divine intervention. The vivid descriptions in Scripture capture the terror and helplessness faced by those who witnessed such events, reinforcing the need for divine intervention and guidance.

Overall, the locust-swarm in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for divine judgment, human repentance, and the hope of restoration, encapsulating the complex relationship between God and His people.1373b. gobay -- locusts
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Discipline
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Locust-swarm (1 Occurrence)
Locust-swarm. Locust's, Locust-swarm. Lod . Multi-Version Concordance
Locust-swarm (1 Occurrence). Amos 7:1 Thus hath ...
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Lod (4 Occurrences)

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Locust's (1 Occurrence)

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Why did God use a locust swarm to punish Israel (Joel 1:4)? | GotQuestions.org

Is Joel 1:4 referring to literal locusts? When was this prophecy fulfilled? | GotQuestions.org

How does God restore the years that the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25)? | GotQuestions.org

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