Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, armies are often depicted using vivid imagery to convey their power, destructiveness, and overwhelming numbers. One such metaphor is the comparison of armies to caterpillars, which is found in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. This comparison serves to illustrate the consuming and devastating nature of invading forces, much like the way caterpillars can ravage vegetation.
The prophet Jeremiah uses this imagery in his pronouncement against Babylon. In
Jeremiah 51:14, the Lord declares, "The LORD of Hosts has sworn by Himself: 'Surely I will fill you with men as with locusts, and they will shout in triumph over you.'" Here, the term "locusts" is often understood to include caterpillars, as both are stages in the life cycle of these destructive insects. The imagery suggests an innumerable and relentless force that will overrun and consume everything in its path.
Similarly, in the book of Joel, the devastation caused by locusts is used as a metaphor for the judgment of God through invading armies.
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 underscores the totality of destruction, akin to successive waves of military conquest.
The comparison to caterpillars and locusts is not merely about numbers but also about the methodical and thorough nature of the destruction. Just as caterpillars can strip a field bare, leaving nothing behind, so too can armies leave a land desolate. This imagery would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society that understood the threat posed by such pests.
In
Nahum 3:15-17, the prophet Nahum speaks against Nineveh, saying, "There the fire will consume you; the sword will cut you down, and it will devour you like the young locust. 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 yet devastating impact of both locusts and armies, emphasizing their ability to appear suddenly, cause great harm, and then vanish.
The use of caterpillars and locusts as metaphors for armies in the Bible serves to communicate the severity of divine judgment and the formidable nature of military forces. It reflects a worldview that sees God's hand in the rise and fall of nations, using natural imagery to convey spiritual truths. Through these vivid comparisons, the biblical authors convey the message that just as caterpillars can devastate a harvest, so too can armies bring about the downfall of cities and empires.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Jeremiah 51:14,27The LORD of hosts has sworn by himself, saying, Surely I will fill you with men, as with caterpillars; and they shall lift up a shout against you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Second vision "On Earth"
... And the number of the [214] armies of the horsemen was two myriads of myriads:
[215] (I heard the number ... See also 1 Corinthians 12:13 compared with Luke 13:15. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm
Resources
Who was Joab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Bible prophecy predict that there will be a World War 3 (III, three) before the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Babylonian captivity/exile? | GotQuestions.orgArmies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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