Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  4000 Creation  »  4600 Living beings  »  4669 locust

The most destructive of all biblical insects, also used figuratively as a devouring pest.

There was no defence against locusts

Joel 2:4-5 See also Proverbs 30:27

Locusts were frequently a sign of God's judgment

Deuteronomy 28:38; Amos 4:9

The eighth plague on Egypt:

Exodus 10:4,12-14,19 Deuteronomy 28:42 curses for disobedience; 1 Kings 8:37 pp 2 Chronicles 6:28; 2 Chronicles 7:13-14; Psalm 78:46; Psalm 105:34; Joel 1:4; Joel 2:25; Amos 7:1

Locusts were a source of food

Leviticus 11:22 See also Matthew 3:4 pp Mark 1:6

Locusts used figuratively

Of numerous and destructive invaders

Judges 7:12; Isaiah 33:4 See also Judges 6:5; Jeremiah 46:23; Jeremiah 51:14,27; Nahum 3:15-17

Of terrifying end-time activity

Revelation 9:3 See also Revelation 9:7

See also

1670  symbols
4660  insects
4843  plague
9105  last things
9210  judgment, God's