Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, locusts are often used figuratively to represent destruction, judgment, and overwhelming forces. These insects, known for their ability to devastate crops and cause famine, serve as powerful symbols in various scriptural contexts.Judgment and Destruction The imagery of locusts is frequently employed to depict divine judgment and the consequences of sin. In the book of Joel, locusts are described as a devastating army sent by God as a form of punishment. 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 illustrates the totality of destruction that sin can bring upon a nation, emphasizing the need for repentance and turning back to God. Overwhelming Forces Locusts also symbolize overwhelming forces that are beyond human control. In the book of Nahum, the Assyrian army is likened to locusts in their vast numbers and destructive power. Nahum 3:15-17 describes, "There the fire will consume you; the sword will cut you down, and it will devour you like a swarm of locusts. Multiply yourselves like the young locust; multiply like the swarming locust! You have increased your merchants more than the stars of the sky. The young locust strips the land and flies away. Your guards are like locusts, your officials like swarms of locusts that settle in the walls on a cold day—when the sun appears, they fly away, and no one knows where." This passage highlights the transient and uncontrollable nature of such forces, serving as a warning of the futility of relying on human strength and alliances. Symbol of Repentance and Restoration While locusts often symbolize destruction, they also serve as a call to repentance and a promise of restoration. In Joel 2:25 , God promises, "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 assurance of restoration underscores God's mercy and the hope of renewal for those who turn back to Him. End Times Imagery In the New Testament, locusts appear in apocalyptic imagery, symbolizing the chaos and judgment associated with the end times. Revelation 9:3 describes a vision of locusts emerging 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 represent demonic forces unleashed during the tribulation, highlighting the spiritual warfare and trials that will occur in the last days. Throughout the Bible, locusts serve as a multifaceted symbol, representing both the severity of divine judgment and the hope of redemption. Their presence in scripture calls believers to reflect on the consequences of sin, the power of God, and the promise of restoration through repentance. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 46:23They shall cut down her forest, said the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the grasshoppers, and are innumerable. Nave's Topical Index Library The Prophet Joel. Psalm LXXVIII. On Baptism. The Feeding of the Four Thousand - to Dalmanutha - the Sign from ... The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Resources Summary of the Book of Joel - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to rebuke the devourer in Malachi 3:11? | GotQuestions.org Is it wrong to kill spiders or step on bugs? | GotQuestions.org Locust: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Locust: Translated "Grasshopper" The Locust of Destructive Enemies The Locust of False Teachers of the Apostasy The Locust: (Destruction of) of Destruction of God's Enemies The Locust: Carried Every Way by the Wind The Locust: Clean and Fit for Food The Locust: Flies in Bands and With Order The Locust: Immensely Numerous The Locust: Like to Horses Prepared for Battle The Locust: One of the Plagues of Egypt The Locust: The Jews used As Food The Locust: The Jews: Deprecated the Plague of The Locust: The Jews: Often Plagued By The Locust: The Jews: Promised Deliverance from the Plague of, on Humiliation The Locust: The Jews: Threatened With, As a Punishment for Sin Related Terms |
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