Topical Encyclopedia The term "cankerworm" refers to a type of destructive insect, often identified as a caterpillar or larva, which is known for its voracious appetite and ability to cause significant damage to vegetation. In the biblical context, the cankerworm is frequently mentioned as a symbol of divine judgment, particularly in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament.Biblical References The cankerworm is prominently featured in the Book of Joel, where it is described as part of a devastating plague that serves as a divine punishment for the people of Israel. Joel 1:4 states, "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." Here, the cankerworm is often understood to be one of the stages of locust development, contributing to the total destruction of crops and vegetation. In Joel 2:25 , the Lord promises restoration after the judgment, saying, "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 passage underscores the role of the cankerworm as part of God's "great army," sent as a tool of judgment to bring the people to repentance. Symbolism and Theological Significance The cankerworm, along with other locusts, symbolizes the comprehensive and overwhelming nature of divine judgment. Its presence in the biblical narrative serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the severity of God's discipline. The destruction wrought by the cankerworm is not merely physical but also spiritual, as it calls the people to recognize their need for repentance and return to God. Theologically, the cankerworm's role as an agent of judgment highlights the sovereignty of God over creation. It demonstrates that even the smallest creatures can be used by God to fulfill His purposes. The devastation caused by the cankerworm is a call to humility, urging the people to acknowledge their dependence on God for sustenance and protection. Historical and Cultural Context In the ancient Near East, locust plagues were a well-known and feared phenomenon. The agricultural societies of the time were highly vulnerable to such infestations, which could lead to famine and economic collapse. The biblical authors used the imagery of the cankerworm and locusts to convey the seriousness of divine judgment in terms that their contemporaries would understand and fear. Application for Believers For believers, the account of the cankerworm as a judgment serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God. It encourages self-examination and repentance, recognizing that God's discipline, though severe, is ultimately redemptive. The promise of restoration in Joel 2:25 offers hope and assurance that God is merciful and willing to restore what has been lost when His people turn back to Him with sincere hearts. Nave's Topical Index Joel 1:4That which the palmerworm has left has the locust eaten; and that which the locust has left has the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm has left has the caterpillar eaten. Nave's Topical Index Joel 2:25 Nahum 3:15,16 Library Joel's Rhapsody of the Locust Plague Arian Statements. The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources Cankerworm: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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