In the biblical narrative, famine is often depicted as a divine instrument of judgment or a test of faith. One of the causes of famine mentioned in the Scriptures is the devastation brought about by swarms of insects, particularly locusts. These events are portrayed as both natural disasters and acts of divine intervention, serving as a call to repentance and a reminder of human dependence on God.

Biblical Instances:

1. The Plague of Locusts in Egypt:
One of the most notable instances of insect-induced famine is the eighth plague that God sent upon Egypt as recorded in the Book of Exodus. The Lord instructed Moses to stretch out his hand over Egypt so that locusts would swarm over the land and consume every plant left after the hail. The locusts covered the ground until it was black, devouring all that was left after the hail, including every tree and plant in the fields (Exodus 10:12-15). This plague was a direct challenge to the Egyptian deities and demonstrated the power of the God of Israel over creation.

2. The Prophecy of Joel:
The Book of Joel vividly describes a locust invasion that leads to a severe famine in the land of Judah. Joel calls the people to lament and repent, interpreting the disaster as a precursor to the "Day of the LORD." The locusts are described in four stages—cutting, swarming, hopping, and destroying—indicating a total devastation of the crops (Joel 1:4). This event serves as a metaphor for impending judgment and a call to spiritual renewal.

3. Amos' Vision:
The prophet Amos also speaks of locusts as a form of divine judgment. In a vision, Amos sees God preparing a swarm of locusts after the king's harvest, which would have led to a devastating famine (Amos 7:1-2). Amos intercedes on behalf of Israel, and the Lord relents, showcasing the power of prayer and repentance.

Theological Implications:

In the biblical context, famines caused by swarms of insects are not merely natural occurrences but are often depicted as acts of divine judgment or warning. They serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nature and His ability to use creation to fulfill His purposes. These events call the people to repentance, urging them to turn back to God and seek His mercy.

The biblical response to such calamities is often one of repentance, prayer, and fasting. The people are encouraged to seek God's face, acknowledging their dependence on Him for sustenance and survival. The narratives emphasize the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the consequences of turning away from His ways.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, agriculture was the backbone of society, and any threat to crops was a threat to survival. Locust swarms were particularly feared due to their ability to destroy entire harvests in a short period. The biblical accounts reflect the agrarian context of the time, where such natural disasters had profound social and economic impacts.

The imagery of locusts and famine is also used metaphorically in the Scriptures to describe spiritual desolation and the need for renewal. The call to repentance and the promise of restoration are central themes, highlighting God's desire for His people to return to Him and experience His blessings.

Conclusion:

While the Bible presents famines caused by swarms of insects as historical events, they also carry deep spiritual lessons. They remind believers of the importance of faithfulness to God and the need for continual reliance on His provision and grace.Deuteronomy 28:38,42
You shall carry much seed out into the field, and shall gather but little in; for the locust shall consume it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joel 1:4
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

What are the Clouds?
... would be the means of redeeming a whole people from famine? ... He has caused to come
out of the ground, near ... not been seen in Utah before, with swarms of locusts ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/what are the clouds.htm

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