Topical Bible: The Locust: A Small Insect

◄ The Locust: A Small Insect ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The locust is a type of grasshopper known for its swarming behavior and is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of destruction and divine judgment. These insects are characterized by their ability to consume vast amounts of vegetation, leading to devastating agricultural losses. In the biblical context, locusts are often associated with plagues and are seen as instruments of God's judgment upon nations and peoples.

Biblical References:

1. Plague of Locusts in Egypt: One of the most notable mentions of locusts in the Bible is during the plagues of Egypt. In Exodus 10:12-15 , God commands Moses to stretch out his hand over Egypt so that locusts will swarm over the land and devour everything growing in the fields. The passage describes how the locusts covered the ground until it was black and consumed all the plants and fruit, leaving nothing green in Egypt.

2. Symbol of Judgment: Locusts are frequently used as a metaphor for divine judgment. In the book of Joel, a locust invasion is described as a harbinger of the "Day of the LORD." 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 imagery underscores the totality of destruction that locusts can bring, symbolizing the comprehensive nature of God's judgment.

3. Vision of Locusts in Revelation: In the New Testament, locusts appear in the apocalyptic visions of Revelation. Revelation 9:3-7 describes locusts emerging from the smoke of the Abyss, given power like that of scorpions. These locusts are not ordinary insects but are part of a divine judgment during the end times, emphasizing their role as agents of God's wrath.

4. Provision and Sustenance: Despite their destructive nature, locusts are also mentioned as a source of sustenance. In Matthew 3:4 , John the Baptist is described as having a diet that included locusts and wild honey. This reference highlights the locust's role as a permissible food source under Jewish dietary laws, as outlined in Leviticus 11:22 , where locusts are listed among the insects that may be eaten.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, locust swarms were a well-known natural disaster, capable of stripping fields bare and causing famine. The biblical authors, familiar with the devastating impact of locusts, used them as powerful symbols of divine intervention and judgment. The locust's ability to appear suddenly and in overwhelming numbers made them an apt metaphor for the suddenness and completeness of God's punitive actions.

Theological Significance:

Theologically, locusts serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to use natural phenomena to fulfill His purposes. They illustrate the consequences of disobedience and the need for repentance, as seen in the prophetic calls to return to God in the face of locust plagues. The imagery of locusts in the Bible underscores the themes of judgment, repentance, and the hope of restoration, as God promises to restore what the locusts have devoured (Joel 2:25).

In summary, the locust in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol, representing both the destructive power of nature and the divine authority of God. Its presence in Scripture serves as a vivid reminder of the consequences of sin and the call to seek God's mercy and restoration.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 30:24,27
There be four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceeding wise:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Little Sins
... The locusts were but small; but it seemed as if the whole of ... The locust is but a
little thing ... Take care of those little insect sins which may be your destruction ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/little sins.htm

The Struggle for the Life of Others
... the banana and the bread-fruit, the locust and the ... better to attract the attention
of the insect world ... Many flowers are so small and inconspicuous that insects ...
/.../the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter vii the struggle for.htm

Naparima and Montserrat
... A certain Locust-tree and a Ceiba were mentioned. ... and mocking- birds, too, of no
small ability ... vegetation, of ourselves, should these insect destroyers disappear ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter x naparima and montserrat.htm