Topical Bible: The Locust: The Jews: Deprecated the Plague of

◄ The Locust: The Jews: Deprecated the Plague of ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The locust, a member of the grasshopper family, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of devastation and divine judgment. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, locusts were particularly feared due to their capacity to destroy crops and cause famine. The Jews, who relied heavily on agriculture, viewed locust plagues as catastrophic events that could lead to severe economic and social distress.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The Bible often uses locusts as instruments of God's judgment. One of the most notable instances is the eighth plague of Egypt, where God sent locusts to punish Pharaoh for his refusal to release the Israelites from bondage. In Exodus 10:12-15 , the Lord commands Moses to stretch out his hand over Egypt so that locusts would 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 used metaphorically to describe invading armies and divine retribution. The book of Joel vividly portrays a locust invasion 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, serving as a call to repentance and spiritual renewal.

Cultural and Religious Context

In the Jewish tradition, locust plagues were seen as a direct consequence of the people's disobedience to God's commandments. Deuteronomy 28 outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, with locusts specifically mentioned as a curse. Deuteronomy 28:38 warns, "You will sow much seed in the field but harvest little, because locusts will consume it." This reflects the belief that adherence to the covenant with God would result in protection and prosperity, while disobedience would lead to calamity.

The Jews' deprecation of locust plagues is also evident in their prayers and supplications. In times of crisis, the people would turn to God, seeking His mercy and intervention to remove the plague. The communal response to such disasters often involved fasting, prayer, and repentance, as seen in the book of Joel, where the prophet calls for a sacred assembly to cry out to the Lord (Joel 1:14).

Historical Accounts and Impact

Historically, locust plagues have been recorded in various periods of Jewish history, causing widespread famine and hardship. These events reinforced the biblical narrative of locusts as a divine instrument of judgment and a reminder of human dependence on God's provision and protection.

The fear and deprecation of locust plagues are deeply embedded in the Jewish consciousness, serving as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. The biblical portrayal of locusts as both a literal and symbolic threat underscores the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 8:37,38
If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if there be caterpillar; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatever plague, whatever sickness there be;
Torrey's Topical Textbook