Topical Bible: Locust: Devastation By

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The locust, a type of grasshopper, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of devastation and divine judgment. These insects are known for their ability to swarm in vast numbers, consuming all vegetation in their path and leaving behind barren landscapes. The Bible uses the imagery of locusts to convey the severity of God's judgment and the consequences of disobedience.

Biblical Accounts of Locust Devastation

1. The Plague of Locusts in Egypt: One of the most notable instances of locust devastation is the eighth plague that God sent upon Egypt as recorded in the Book of Exodus. This plague was a direct response to Pharaoh's hardened heart and refusal to release the Israelites from bondage. In Exodus 10:12-15 , the Lord commands Moses to stretch out his hand over Egypt so that locusts would swarm over the land. The passage describes how the locusts covered the ground until it was black and devoured everything left after the hail, leaving nothing green in Egypt.

2. Locusts in the Book of Joel: The prophet Joel vividly describes a locust invasion as a metaphor for an impending judgment upon Judah. 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." This passage emphasizes the totality of destruction brought by successive waves of locusts, symbolizing the comprehensive nature of divine judgment.

3. Locusts in Revelation: In the apocalyptic vision of Revelation, locusts appear as agents of divine wrath. Revelation 9:3-4 describes locusts emerging from the smoke of the abyss, given power like that of scorpions. However, these locusts are commanded not to harm the grass or any green plant but only those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. This imagery underscores the selective nature of God's judgment and protection for His faithful.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

The devastation wrought by locusts in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of God's sovereignty and the consequences of sin. Locusts are often associated with divine retribution, emphasizing the seriousness of turning away from God's commandments. The imagery of locusts also serves as a call to repentance, urging individuals and nations to return to God to avert disaster.

In the prophetic literature, locusts are used to illustrate the urgency of repentance and the hope of restoration. Joel 2:25 offers a promise of redemption: "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 mercy and willingness to restore what has been lost when His people turn back to Him.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of locusts as agents of devastation serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the reality of divine judgment. Through the imagery of locusts, the Bible communicates the urgency of repentance and the hope of restoration for those who seek God's forgiveness and guidance.

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Deuteronomy 28:38
You shall carry much seed out into the field, and shall gather but little in; for the locust shall consume it.
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1 Kings 8:37
If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if there be caterpillar; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatever plague, whatever sickness there be;
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2 Chronicles 7:13
If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;
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Isaiah 33:4
And your spoil shall be gathered like the gathering of the caterpillar: as the running to and fro of locusts shall he run on them.
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Joel 1:4-7
That 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.
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Revelation 9:7-10
And the shapes of the locusts were like to horses prepared to battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.
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Library

Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
... from the sciences of the Indians, Persians, and Egyptians: "The locust, no doubt,
is ... by Divine command go forth like an army to the devastation of countries ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the three woe trumpets.htm

The Prophet Joel.
... is granted even by Credner himself, when he makes the vain attempt (compare S.345)
to refer them to a judgment different from the devastation by the locust. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet joel.htm

Little Sins
... have eaten. The locusts had done all this, and left utter devastation in
their track. Why this? The locust is but a little thing! Ay ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/little sins.htm

Psalm LXXIX.
... the end, that is, that this so great oppression and tribulation and devastation
may not ... For even she hath put frog for frogs, locust for locusts, [3712] and ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxix.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... former were symbolized the servants of God, and that these locust-warriors were ... frontier,
from Taurus to Arzeroum, and spread it with blood and devastation. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm