Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, trees are frequently depicted as vital components of the natural world, providing sustenance, shade, and beauty. However, they are also shown to be vulnerable to various natural calamities, one of the most significant being locust infestations. Locusts, as described in the Bible, are swarming insects that can devastate vegetation, including trees, by consuming leaves, fruits, and even bark, leaving behind barren landscapes.Biblical References: 1. Exodus 10:12-15 · The plague of locusts in Egypt is one of the most notable instances where trees suffered from these insects. God instructed Moses to stretch out his hand over Egypt so that locusts would swarm over the land and devour everything growing in the fields, including the fruit of the trees. The Berean Standard Bible states: "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.'" 2. Joel 1:4 · The prophet Joel vividly describes a locust invasion that devastates the land, affecting both crops and trees. The BSB reads: "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 passage highlights the comprehensive destruction caused by successive waves of locusts, leaving trees stripped and barren. 3. Deuteronomy 28:38-42 · In the context of blessings and curses, locusts are mentioned as a curse for disobedience to God's commandments. The passage warns that locusts will consume the produce of the land, including the fruit of the trees: "You will sow much seed in the field but harvest little, because locusts will consume it. You will plant and cultivate vineyards, but will neither drink the wine nor gather the grapes, because worms will eat them. You will have olive trees throughout your territory but will never anoint yourself with oil, because the olives will drop off." Symbolism and Theological Implications: In the Bible, locusts often symbolize divine judgment and the consequences of sin. Their ability to destroy trees and crops serves as a powerful reminder of human dependence on God's provision and the fragility of earthly resources. The devastation wrought by locusts is frequently used as a metaphor for spiritual desolation and the need for repentance and restoration. Historical and Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, locust plagues were a well-known and feared natural disaster. The agricultural societies of biblical times relied heavily on the produce of trees and fields for survival. A locust invasion could lead to famine and economic ruin, underscoring the severity of such events as described in the Scriptures. Practical Lessons: The biblical accounts of locusts and their impact on trees serve as a call to faithfulness and reliance on God. They remind believers of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for repentance in times of spiritual and physical desolation. The imagery of locusts consuming trees also encourages a deeper appreciation for God's creation and the sustenance it provides. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 10:5,15And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remains to you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which grows for you out of the field: Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 28:42 Library Description of the Symbol of the Hands among the Manich??ans. Smitten in Vain On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles Little Sins The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus. The Seven Trumpets. A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ... A People Prepared for the Lord The First vision "On Earth" Faustus Willing to Believe not Only that the Jewish but that all ... Resources What is the significance of the olive tree in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the meanings of the various visions in the book of Zechariah? | GotQuestions.org What is the lily of the valley (Song of Solomon 2:1)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Trees of the Life and Conversation of the Righteous Trees were Cut Down by Besieging Armies for Erecting Forts Trees were Cut Down for Building Trees were Cut Down for Making Idols Trees were Sold With the Land on Which They Grew Trees: (Casting Their Leaves Yet Retaining Their Substance) of Trees: (Dry) of the Wicked Ripe for Judgment Trees: (Dry) of Useless Persons Trees: (Duration of) of Continued Prosperity of Saints Trees: (Good and Fruitful) of Saints Trees: (Green) of the Innocence of Christ Trees: (Producing Evil Fruit) the Wicked Trees: (Shaking of the Leaves off) the Terror of the Wicked Trees: Afford an Agreeable Shade in Eastern Countries During The Trees: Designed to Beautify the Earth Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned of the Forest Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned of the Wood Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned: Bearing Fruit Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned: Deciduous or Casting the Leaves Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned: Evergreen Trees: Each Kind Has Its own Seed for Propagating Its Species Trees: Each Kind of, Known by Its Fruit Trees: Early Custom of Planting, in Consecrated Grounds Trees: Given As Food to the Animal Creation Trees: God Increases and Multiplies the Fruit of, for his People Trees: God often Renders, Barren As a Punishment Trees: Made for the Glory of God Trees: Nourished by the Rain from Heaven Trees: Nourished: Through Their own Sap Trees: Often Propagated by Birds Who Carry the Seeds Along With Them Trees: Often Suffered From: Desolating Armies Trees: Often Suffered From: Fire Trees: Often Suffered From: Hail and Frost Trees: Often Suffered From: Locusts Trees: Originally Created by God Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Branches Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Fruit or Seeds Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Leaves Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Roots Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Stem or Trunk Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Tender Shoots Trees: Solomon Wrote the History of Trees: Specially Flourished Beside the Rivers and Streams of Water Trees: The Jews: Considered Trees on Which Criminals Were Executed Trees: The Jews: Often Buried Under Trees: The Jews: Often Executed Criminals On Trees: The Jews: Often Pitched Their Tents Under Trees: The Jews: Prohibited from Cutting Down Fruit Bearing, for Sieges Trees: The Jews: Prohibited from Planting in Consecrated Places Trees: when Cut Down often Sprouted from Their Roots Again Related Terms Sycamore-trees (6 Occurrences) Sycomore-trees (6 Occurrences) Mulberry-trees (4 Occurrences) |
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