Topical Bible: Insects: Palmer-Worm

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "palmer-worm" appears in the Bible as part of a series of destructive locust-like creatures that are often associated with divine judgment and agricultural devastation. The palmer-worm is mentioned specifically in the book of Joel, a prophetic text that addresses the theme of repentance and restoration in the face of calamity.

Biblical References:

1. Joel 1:4 : "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." In this passage, the palmer-worm is understood to be one of the stages or types of locusts that contribute to the complete devastation of the land. The sequence of locusts represents a comprehensive and successive wave of destruction, emphasizing the severity of the judgment upon the people.

2. Joel 2:25 : "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." Here, the Lord promises restoration and compensation for the years of loss caused by the locusts, including the palmer-worm. This verse highlights God's sovereignty and mercy, as He refers to the locusts as "My great army," indicating that the devastation served a divine purpose.

Theological Significance:

The palmer-worm, as part of the locust plague, serves as a symbol of divine judgment. In the context of Joel, the locusts are not merely natural disasters but are portrayed as instruments of God's discipline. The devastation they cause is a call to repentance, urging the people to return to God with sincere hearts. The palmer-worm, therefore, is a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for spiritual renewal.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, locust plagues were a well-known and feared phenomenon due to their capacity to destroy crops and cause famine. The palmer-worm, as a type of locust, would have been understood by the original audience as a real and present threat to their agrarian society. The imagery of locusts consuming everything in their path would have resonated deeply with the people, underscoring the urgency of the prophetic message.

Interpretation and Application:

From a conservative Christian perspective, the mention of the palmer-worm in Scripture serves as a timeless warning against complacency and disobedience to God. It calls believers to examine their lives, repent of their sins, and seek God's forgiveness and restoration. The promise of restoration in Joel 2:25 offers hope and assurance that God is willing to heal and restore those who turn back to Him in faith.

In summary, the palmer-worm in the Bible is more than just an insect; it is a powerful symbol of judgment and a catalyst for spiritual introspection and renewal. Through the lens of Scripture, it invites believers to reflect on their relationship with God and to trust in His redemptive power.

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

Amos 4:9
I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured them: yet have you not returned to me, said the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Locust-Swarms
... over the mischief which the swarms of insects had done; such as had never been in
his days, nor in the days of his fathers. What the palmer worm had left, the ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xx the locust-swarms.htm