Topical Encyclopedia The locust, a type of grasshopper, is a significant insect mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of dietary laws and divine judgments. In the Scriptures, locusts are depicted both as a plague and as a permissible food source, reflecting their dual role in the ancient Near Eastern environment.Biblical References and Description Locusts are frequently mentioned in the Bible, often in the context of plagues and divine retribution. One of the most notable instances is the eighth plague of Egypt, where locusts were sent by God as a judgment upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians for their refusal to release the Israelites from bondage. Exodus 10:12-15 describes this event: "And the LORD said to Moses, 'Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt, so that locusts may swarm over the land and devour every plant in the land—everything that the hail has left.' So Moses stretched out his staff over the land of Egypt, and the LORD sent an east wind across the land all that day and all that night. By morning the wind had brought the locusts. They invaded all the land of Egypt and settled in every area of the country in great numbers. Never before had there been such a plague of locusts, nor will there ever be again." Dietary Laws and Cleanliness In the dietary laws given to the Israelites, locusts are classified as clean and fit for consumption. Leviticus 11:22 states, "Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket, or grasshopper." This passage indicates that locusts, along with certain other insects, were considered permissible for the Israelites to eat, distinguishing them from other creatures deemed unclean. The allowance for eating locusts is further supported by the example of John the Baptist, who is described as subsisting on a diet that included locusts. Matthew 3:4 notes, "John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey." This reference underscores the acceptance of locusts as a legitimate food source in the Jewish tradition. Symbolism and Prophetic Imagery Beyond their literal presence, locusts are also used symbolically in the Bible to represent destruction and divine judgment. The prophet Joel vividly describes a locust invasion as a metaphor for an impending judgment upon Israel, urging the people 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." In the book of Revelation, locusts appear as part of the apocalyptic visions, symbolizing a form of divine punishment. Revelation 9:3 describes, "And out of the smoke, locusts descended on the earth, and they were given power like that of the scorpions of the earth." Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, locusts were a common and feared phenomenon due to their potential to devastate crops and cause famine. However, they were also a readily available source of protein, especially in arid regions where other food sources might be scarce. The inclusion of locusts in the dietary laws reflects a practical approach to survival in the harsh conditions of the wilderness and the Promised Land. The locust's role in the Bible, both as a clean food and as an instrument of judgment, highlights the multifaceted ways in which God used natural elements to communicate with His people and to sustain them physically and spiritually. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 11:21,22Yet these may you eat of every flying creeping thing that goes on all four, which have legs above their feet, to leap with on the earth; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Naparima and Montserrat Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... La Brea The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Resources Summary of the Book of Joel - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to rebuke the devourer in Malachi 3:11? | GotQuestions.org Is it wrong to kill spiders or step on bugs? | 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) |