Topical Bible: The Locust: Wise

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In the Bible, locusts are often depicted as instruments of divine judgment and symbols of destruction. However, they are also noted for their wisdom, particularly in the context of their collective behavior and ability to act in unison. This entry explores the biblical portrayal of locusts, emphasizing their wisdom as described in the Scriptures.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 30:27 · "The locusts have no king, yet they all advance in formation."

This verse from the Book of Proverbs highlights the wisdom of locusts in their ability to organize and move collectively without a central leader. Despite lacking a king or a hierarchical structure, locusts demonstrate remarkable coordination and unity. This characteristic is presented as a form of wisdom, illustrating how even creatures without apparent governance can achieve great feats through cooperation and instinctual harmony.

2. Joel 1:4 · "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."

While this passage primarily focuses on the destructive power of locusts, it also implicitly acknowledges their efficiency and thoroughness. The sequential devastation caused by different stages of locusts reflects a systematic approach to consumption, underscoring their ability to work together to achieve a common goal.

3. Exodus 10:12-15 · In the account of the plagues of Egypt, locusts are sent as a divine judgment upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians. The locusts cover the land and consume all the vegetation, demonstrating their capacity for overwhelming and complete destruction. This event illustrates the power and effectiveness of locusts when acting as a collective force, further emphasizing their wisdom in terms of impact and reach.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In biblical literature, locusts often symbolize judgment and the consequences of disobedience to God. Their appearance is frequently associated with divine retribution, as seen in the plagues of Egypt and the prophetic warnings in the Book of Joel. However, the wisdom of locusts, as noted in Proverbs, offers a different perspective, highlighting their ability to function as a cohesive unit without centralized control.

The wisdom of locusts can be interpreted as a metaphor for the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people. Just as locusts achieve great things through collective action, believers are encouraged to work together in harmony, guided by shared faith and purpose. This interpretation aligns with the broader biblical theme of community and the strength found in unity.

Theological Implications:

From a theological standpoint, the wisdom of locusts serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the order inherent in His creation. Despite their small size and lack of leadership, locusts accomplish significant tasks, reflecting the divine wisdom embedded in nature. This understanding calls believers to recognize the value of cooperation and the potential for achieving God's purposes through collective effort.

In summary, while locusts are often associated with destruction in the Bible, their wisdom lies in their ability to act in unison and achieve remarkable outcomes. This characteristic serves as a powerful illustration of the strength found in unity and the divine order present in creation.

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

On Proverbs. From the Commentary of St. Hippolytus on Proverbs.
... [1253] "There be four things which are least upon the earth, and these are wiser
than the wise: The ants have no strength, yet ... "The locust has no king, and yet ...
/.../on proverbs from the commentary.htm

Extracts from the Thalia of Arius. Arius Maintains that God Became ...
... For Wisdom,' saith he, by the will of the wise God, had its existence in Wisdom ... as
others, one of the so-called powers, one of which, namely, the locust and the ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter ii extracts from the thalia.htm

The Plagues of Egypt
... frogs in one way in every ditch at this moment, is he not wise and strong ... where thunder
and hail was never seen before; the Lord of the locust swarms"able to ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon x the plagues of.htm

A Homily for Humble Folks
... be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: the
ants ... One locust is a thing to be laughed at but when they go forth in bands ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/a homily for humble folks.htm

Letter Liii. To Paulinus.
... "I will destroy," it is said, "the wisdom of the wise, and will ... twelve tribes as
spoiled and devastated by the palmerworm, the canker-worm, the locust, and the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter liii to paulinus.htm

Discipline
... But such a people, the wise Balaam saw, would not be mere conquerors, like those ...
Jacob, and thy camp, oh Israel.' He likens them, not to the locust swarm, the ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon i discipline.htm

And Yet, Lest You Should Suppose that None but Yourselves Can Make ...
... which Tim??us prepares and mixes, either their souls came, or that the locust, [3764]
mouse ... For we see that some of the wise say that the earth is mother of men ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/52 and yet lest you.htm

A Cultivated Conservative Friend of Mine once Exhibited Great ...
... The wise king told the sluggard to watch the ant, a charming occupation"for a ... But
never before, I think, have Christians called a Turk a locust and meant it ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 42 a cultivated conservative.htm

Reference Table
... VIII Prophetic Sentences Jeremiah 41 Thus saith the Lord: Let not the wise Jeremiah
IX 23 ... Habakkuk I 2 Minor Prophets 77 III Rhapsody of the Locust Plague Joel ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/reference table.htm

Psalm CV.
... Is it to be in any wise understood or believed, that God turneth man's heart to
do sin?...For they were not good ... "He spake the word, and the locust came, and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cv.htm