Topical Encyclopedia The locust, a member of the grasshopper family, is a significant creature within the biblical narrative, often symbolizing destruction, judgment, and the sovereignty of God over creation. The locust is mentioned numerous times throughout Scripture, serving as both a literal and metaphorical agent of divine intervention.Biblical References and Symbolism The most notable biblical account involving locusts is found in the Book of Exodus, where they are the eighth plague sent upon Egypt. In Exodus 10:13-15 , it is written: "So Moses stretched out his staff over the land of Egypt, and the LORD sent an east wind upon the land all that day and all that night. By morning the east wind had brought the locusts. The locusts swarmed across the land and settled over the entire territory of Egypt in great numbers. Never before had there been so many locusts, and never again will there be. They covered the face of all the land, so that the land was blackened, and they consumed every plant in the land and every fruit on the trees that the hail had left. Nothing green remained on any tree or plant in all the land of Egypt." This passage highlights the locusts as instruments of God's judgment, demonstrating His power over nature and His ability to use creation to fulfill His purposes. The locusts' arrival by the east wind underscores the theme of divine control, as they are carried and directed by the forces of nature under God's command. The Locust in Prophetic Literature The prophet Joel also speaks of locusts in a vivid depiction of devastation and a call to repentance. 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." Here, the locusts represent a comprehensive and relentless destruction, serving as a metaphor for the impending judgment upon Israel due to their disobedience. Joel's prophecy uses the locust plague as a precursor to the "Day of the LORD," a time of divine reckoning and restoration. The locusts, therefore, symbolize both the immediate consequences of sin and the hope of redemption through repentance and divine mercy. The Locust in Wisdom Literature In the Book of Proverbs, locusts are mentioned in a context that highlights their collective behavior and wisdom. Proverbs 30:27 notes: "the locusts have no king, yet they all advance in formation." This observation points to the remarkable order and cooperation among locusts, serving as an illustration of unity and purpose without centralized leadership. It reflects the biblical theme of God's providence and the inherent order within His creation. Theological Implications The locust, as depicted in Scripture, serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the reality of divine judgment. The imagery of locusts being carried by the wind emphasizes the unpredictability and inevitability of God's will. It calls believers to recognize the seriousness of sin, the necessity of repentance, and the assurance of God's ultimate plan for redemption. Throughout the Bible, the locust is a symbol of both destruction and divine orchestration, illustrating the profound truth that all of creation is subject to the will of the Creator. The locusts' ability to be carried every way by the wind serves as a metaphor for the omnipotence and omnipresence of God, who directs the course of history and nature according to His perfect wisdom and purpose. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 10:13,19And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind on the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ... The Plagues of Egypt Naparima and Montserrat On Baptism. La Brea Of the Three Woe Trumpets. The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: The Struggle for the Life of Others Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ; Psalm LXXVIII. Resources Why did God use a locust swarm to punish Israel (Joel 1:4)? | GotQuestions.orgIs Joel 1:4 referring to literal locusts? When was this prophecy fulfilled? | GotQuestions.org How does God restore the years that the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25)? | GotQuestions.org Locust: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Locust: Translated "Grasshopper" The Locust of Destructive Enemies The Locust of False Teachers of the Apostasy The Locust: (Destruction of) of Destruction of God's Enemies The Locust: Carried Every Way by the Wind The Locust: Clean and Fit for Food The Locust: Flies in Bands and With Order The Locust: Immensely Numerous The Locust: Like to Horses Prepared for Battle The Locust: One of the Plagues of Egypt The Locust: The Jews used As Food The Locust: The Jews: Deprecated the Plague of The Locust: The Jews: Often Plagued By The Locust: The Jews: Promised Deliverance from the Plague of, on Humiliation The Locust: The Jews: Threatened With, As a Punishment for Sin Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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