What Does the Bible Say About Locusts?
Locusts have been a plague on human societies for centuries, causing destruction and devastation to crops and property. The Bible mentions locusts numerous times, often as a symbol of God’s judgment and wrath. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about locusts and their significance in the scriptures.
Direct Answer
The Bible mentions locusts in several passages, including Exodus 10:12-15, where God sends a plague of locusts to afflict the Egyptians. In Revelation 9:3-11, locusts are described as a precursor to the end times, and in Joel 1:4-7, locusts are seen as a symbol of God’s judgment on the wicked.
Old Testament References
- Exodus 10:12-15: "And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come upon the land of Egypt and eat every plant that grows in it, every tree that grows in it and all the fruit of the trees.’ And Moses stretched out his hand over the land of Egypt, and the locusts came upon the land of Egypt and ate every plant that grew in it, every tree that grew in it, and all the fruit of the trees." (ESV)
- Joel 1:4-7: "What the locust has left, the grasshopper has eaten, and what the grasshopper has left, the caterpillar has eaten. Awake, you drunkards, and weep, and wail, and mourn for the departure of your precious balsam, for the destroyers have destroyed all the storehouses of grain. A nation has come up against my land, powerful and without number; its teeth are the teeth of a lion, and it has the jaws of a lioness." (ESV)
New Testament References
- Revelation 9:3-11: "And the third angel poured out his bowl into the brooks of the earth, and they became blood. And it was said to the fourth angel, ‘Come near and pour out upon the earth the judgment of the Lord upon the people of the world.’ The fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun, and it was given to it to scorch men with fire. They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of the God of heaven, who had power over these plagues, yet they did not repent to give him glory. And the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. Men gnawed their tongues because of the pain, and they cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores; they did not repent of their deeds." (ESV)
Significance of Locusts in the Bible
- Symbol of God’s Judgment: Locusts are often seen as a symbol of God’s judgment and wrath, as in the Exodus account where they are sent to afflict the Egyptians.
- Plague: Locusts are described as a plague, causing destruction and devastation to crops and property.
- End Times: In Revelation 9:3-11, locusts are described as a precursor to the end times, signaling the final judgment of God.
Comparison of Locusts and Grasshoppers
| Locusts | Grasshoppers | |
|---|---|---|
| Behavior | Swarming behavior, destructive | Solitary, non-destructive |
| Appearance | Similar to grasshoppers, but with a distinctive body shape | Similar to locusts, but without the swarming behavior |
| Impact | Cause destruction and devastation to crops and property | Do not cause significant damage to crops and property |
Conclusion
Locusts have been a plague on human societies for centuries, and the Bible mentions them numerous times as a symbol of God’s judgment and wrath. In this article, we have explored the significance of locusts in the Bible, including their role as a symbol of God’s judgment, a plague, and a precursor to the end times. By understanding the biblical significance of locusts, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of faith and repentance in the face of God’s judgment.