Topical Bible: The Locust: Rapid in Movement

◄ The Locust: Rapid in Movement ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The locust, a member of the grasshopper family, is a significant creature in biblical literature, often symbolizing destruction and divine judgment. Known for their rapid movement and ability to swarm in vast numbers, locusts have been both a literal and metaphorical representation of devastation throughout the Scriptures.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The most notable mention of locusts in the Bible is found in the Book of Exodus, where they are the eighth plague sent upon Egypt. In Exodus 10:12-15 , the Lord commands Moses to stretch out his hand over Egypt so that locusts will swarm over the land and consume everything left after the hail. The passage describes the locusts as covering the ground until it was black and devouring all that was left after the hail, leaving nothing green in Egypt.

In the prophetic literature, locusts are often used as symbols of judgment and destruction. The prophet Joel vividly describes a locust invasion as a metaphor for an impending divine judgment. 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, serving as a warning to the people of Israel to repent and return to God.

The Book of Revelation also employs the imagery of locusts in its apocalyptic visions. In Revelation 9:3-7 , locusts emerge from the smoke of the Abyss, given power like that of scorpions. These locusts are not ordinary insects but are described with terrifying features, symbolizing a form of divine retribution during the end times.

Characteristics and Behavior

Locusts are known for their ability to move rapidly and in large swarms, which can travel great distances in search of food. This rapid movement is a key characteristic that makes them a formidable force in the natural world. A single swarm can consist of billions of locusts, capable of stripping entire fields and landscapes of vegetation in a matter of hours. This behavior is reflected in the biblical accounts, where locusts are depicted as agents of swift and complete devastation.

Theological Implications

In the biblical narrative, locusts serve as instruments of God's judgment, emphasizing the themes of repentance and divine sovereignty. The rapid movement and overwhelming numbers of locusts illustrate the power and inevitability of God's will. The use of locusts as a divine tool underscores the message that God is in control of nature and history, and that human beings must heed His warnings and commands.

The locust, with its rapid movement and capacity for destruction, remains a powerful symbol within the biblical text, reminding believers of the consequences of disobedience and the need for repentance. Through the imagery of locusts, the Bible communicates the urgency of turning back to God and the reality of His judgment upon the earth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 33:4
And your spoil shall be gathered like the gathering of the caterpillar: as the running to and fro of locusts shall he run on them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Fourfold Message.
... out of them as the subtle fragrance of locust blossoms in ... In Mark the air is tense
with rapid action. The quick executive movement of a capable servant is felt ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/the fourfold message.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... attempting to disturb the secure and rapid passage of ... the servants of God, and that
these locust-warriors were ... Under this trumpet, a mighty movement was to be ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... Arbah in Hebrew means a locust. ... Spiritism, which is now making rapid strides, is
the forerunner of ... Since the year 1896, the Zionist movement has been at work ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

Centenary Commemoration
... The seventy-eighth psalm contains a rapid review of the ... was shaded by a couple of
huge locust trees, and ... Shelton saw the wisdom of this movement and encouraged ...
/.../centenary commemoration 2.htm