Topical Bible: Locust used As Food

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In the biblical context, locusts are mentioned as a permissible food source, particularly in the dietary laws given to the Israelites. The consumption of locusts is explicitly addressed in the Old Testament, where they are classified among the clean animals that may be eaten.

Biblical References:

1. Leviticus 11:22 : "Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket, or grasshopper." This verse is part of the dietary laws outlined in Leviticus, where God provides the Israelites with guidelines on which animals are considered clean and unclean. Locusts, along with other similar insects, are deemed clean and thus permissible for consumption.

2. Matthew 3:4 : "John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey." This New Testament reference highlights the diet of John the Baptist, who is described as eating locusts and wild honey during his time in the wilderness. This detail underscores the acceptance and practice of consuming locusts as a food source during biblical times.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, locusts were a common and readily available source of protein. Their consumption is not only mentioned in the Bible but also documented in various historical records from the region. Locusts were often collected, dried, and eaten in different forms, providing a vital food resource, especially in times of scarcity.

The acceptance of locusts as food is consistent with the broader biblical theme of God's provision for His people. By allowing the consumption of locusts, God ensured that the Israelites had access to a sustainable and nutritious food source, even in the wilderness or during periods of agricultural difficulty.

Theological Implications:

The inclusion of locusts in the list of clean animals reflects the broader biblical principle of distinguishing between clean and unclean, a theme that carries both physical and spiritual significance. The dietary laws served not only to promote health and hygiene but also to set the Israelites apart as a holy people dedicated to God.

John the Baptist's diet of locusts and wild honey further emphasizes his role as a prophet living a life of simplicity and reliance on God's provision. His choice of food symbolizes a return to the basics and a rejection of worldly excess, aligning with his message of repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah.

Conclusion:

The biblical references to locusts as food highlight their role as a clean and acceptable source of nourishment within the dietary laws given to the Israelites. This practice is further exemplified by John the Baptist, whose consumption of locusts underscores themes of simplicity, provision, and holiness.

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Matthew 3:4
And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leather girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
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Mark 1:6
And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;
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Library

The Nile and Egypt
... The lasso and "bolas""The domestication of animals"Plants used for food"The lotus ...
and the nabk, the moringa, the carob, or locust tree several ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

The Feeding of the Four Thousand - to Dalmanutha - the Sign from ...
... would rule His conduct when dispensing the food to the ... appealed to certain signs.'
First, a locust-tree moved at ... xxix), while the spurs (the term used at the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxvi the feeding of.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Food of men and angels, even the Incarnate Lord, [406]625 ... Heaven, used for books
of both Testaments, [499]29; foundation of what, [500]396; how ... Locust, [696]375 ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... by the term abstinence; which may be used when we ... perpetual reason for fasting; to
remove the food of lust ... I will restore you the years which locust hath eaten ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 27 upon our lords.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... or a native of Pontus to eat a locust, and he ... its warmth might diminish the weight
of the heavier food. They used no oil except with vegetables, and then only ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Psalm LXXIX.
... For even she hath put frog for frogs, locust for locusts ... when they believe in the
true God that used to persecute ... he could hurt: and when he giveth food to his ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxix.htm

Carried by Four
... Neglect of private prayer is the locust which devours the ... our Savior to supply each
hearer with food after his ... you have spoken to him also, and used all proper ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/carried by four.htm

The Prophet Joel.
... man should rob thee of thy daily food, thou, most ... taken, almost verbatim, from Joel,
and used with a ... a judgment different from the devastation by the locust. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet joel.htm

The Plagues of Egypt
... formed then, and forms still, the staple food of the ... means, or no means at all, God
used to produce ... was never seen before; the Lord of the locust swarms"able ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon x the plagues of.htm

On Baptism.
... the grace of the Holy Spirit, yet judgest the poor not worthy of bodily food? ... 595]
The locust being winged ... 601] The Greek word (hupostasis) is used by Polybius ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture iii on baptism.htm