Today we will talk about Bible verses about locusts. Many Christians do not know what this means. Locusts often symbolize destruction, scarcity, and divine judgment in the Bible. They are creatures that come in swarms, causing devastation to crops and livelihoods, which highlights the seriousness of their presence in both a literal and metaphorical sense. As we examine these passages, we can reflect on God’s sovereignty and His ability to use even the smallest creatures, like locusts, to communicate profound truths and lessons. Be in a mode of meditation as we read through God’s word and seek to understand what He might be teaching us through these verses.
Bible Verses About Locusts
The Devastation of Locusts
In many parts of scripture, locusts represent devastation and destruction. We can see how they serve as a warning about the consequences of straying from God’s guidance. This metaphorical use emphasizes the spiritual devastation that can occur in our lives when we allow distractions to lead us away from our focus on God. Just as locusts would destroy crops, so too can our decisions lead to consequences that might affect our spiritual well-being. We must pay close attention to the messages in these Bible verses about locusts to grow and thrive in our faith.
Exodus 10:4
“If you refuse to let them go, I will bring locusts into your country tomorrow.” – Exodus 10:4
Joel 1:4
“What the locust swarm has left, the great locusts have eaten; what the great locusts have left, the young locusts have eaten; what the young locusts have left, other locusts have eaten.” – Joel 1:4
Deuteronomy 28:38
“You will sow much seed in the field but you will harvest little, because locusts will devour it.” – Deuteronomy 28:38
Jeremiah 51:27
“Raise a banner in the land; blow the trumpet among the nations; prepare the nations for battle against her—summon against her these kingdoms: Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz. Appoint a commander against her; send up horses like a swarm of locusts.” – Jeremiah 51:27
Revelation 9:3
“And out of the smoke came locusts down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth.” – Revelation 9:3
Locusts as a Sign of Judgment
Throughout scripture, locusts also symbolize God’s judgment and the seriousness of turning away from Him. This should remind us of the importance of a close relationship with God. When we neglect our faith and allow distractions to creep into our lives, we observe warning signs that bring us back into alignment with His purpose. The Bible verses about locusts point toward God using these creatures as a demonstration of His authority and need for His people to remain steadfast in faith and obedience.
Joel 2:25
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm—my great army that I sent among you.” – Joel 2:25
Amos 7:1
“This is what the Sovereign Lord showed me: a basket of ripe fruit. He asked me, ‘What do you see, Amos?’ ‘A basket of ripe fruit,’ I replied. Then the Lord said to me, ‘The time is ripe for my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.'” – Amos 7:1
Matthew 3:12
“His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” – Matthew 3:12
Jeremiah 46:23
“They will chop down her forest,” declares the Lord, “dense though it be. They are more numerous than locusts; they cannot be counted.” – Jeremiah 46:23
Hosea 8:3
“But Israel has rejected what is good; an enemy will pursue him.” – Hosea 8:3
The Power of God Over Creation
It’s fascinating to see how the scriptures recount the power of God over all creation, including locusts. They are not just pests but serve a purpose in God’s design. When looking at these Bible verses about locusts, we are reminded of God’s sovereignty and ability to use every element in His creation for His greater plan. This understanding should fill us with awe, reminding us that nothing in our lives is beyond God’s control — including the challenges and adversities we face.
Psalm 78:46
“He gave their crops to the grasshoppers, their produce to the locusts.” – Psalm 78:46
Joel 2:10
“Before them the earth shakes, the heavens tremble, the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars no longer shine.” – Joel 2:10
Psalm 105:34
“He spoke, and the locusts came, grasshoppers without number.” – Psalm 105:34
Proverbs 30:27
“The locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks.” – Proverbs 30:27
Job 39:20
“Do you make them leap like locusts? They spring from their dens, and their instinct is to find food.” – Job 39:20
Locusts and Consequences of Disobedience
Our actions and choices often come with consequences, a truth captured well through the analogy of locusts in the Bible. When we stray from God, we might face the repercussions—symbolized by the destruction locusts can bring. However, we can take solace in knowing that God’s discipline is motivated by love. As we reflect on these Bible verses about locusts, let’s remember that moments of trial can lead to growth as we seek God’s guidance to return to His path.
Deuteronomy 28:42
“The locusts will invade all your trees and the crops of your land.” – Deuteronomy 28:42
2 Chronicles 7:13
“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people…” – 2 Chronicles 7:13
Micah 2:12
“I will surely gather all of you, Jacob; I will surely bring together the remnant of Israel. I will bring them together like sheep in a pen, like a flock in its pasture; the place will throng with people.” – Micah 2:12
Isaiah 33:4
“Your plunder, O nations, is harvested as by young locusts. Like a swarm of locusts, men rush upon it.” – Isaiah 33:4
Zophar’s Reflection: Job 20:15
“He swallows down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly.” – Job 20:15
Restoration from Devastation
Despite the stern warnings about locusts and their destructive power, the Bible is filled with the promise of restoration. Just as the Lord has the ability to send judgment, He also holds the ability to restore what has been lost. In moments of despair, we can cling to these promises of restoration, realizing that no matter how great the devastation might be, God has a plan for rebuilding and renewing our lives. Let the Bible verses about locusts inspire us to believe in the hope of restoration following trials.
Joel 2:18
“Then the Lord was jealous for his land and took pity on his people.” – Joel 2:18
Joel 2:26
“You will eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never be put to shame.” – Joel 2:26
Haggai 2:19
“Is there yet any seed left in the barn? Until now, the vine and the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not borne fruit. From this day on, I will bless you.” – Haggai 2:19
2 Chronicles 36:15
“The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and his dwelling place.” – 2 Chronicles 36:15
Isaiah 41:19
“I will put in the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive. I will set junipers in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together.” – Isaiah 41:19
Locusts as a Symbol of Plague
Often throughout scripture, we see locusts associated with plague or widespread trouble. This connection serves as a metaphor for numerous trials we may encounter in our lives. The Bible encourages us to confront these challenges with faith and resilience. As we reflect on the Bible verses about locusts, we discover that even in times of plague, there are lessons to be learned, shaping our character and drawing us closer to God. We can find comfort in knowing that we are not alone in challenging times.
Exodus 10:15
“They covered the ground until it was black. They devoured all that was left after the hail, everything that the hail had not killed; so there were no crops for the Egyptians.” – Exodus 10:15
Revelation 9:7
“The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their heads they wore something like crowns of gold, and their faces resembled human faces.” – Revelation 9:7
Joel 1:6
“A nation has invaded my land, a mighty army without number; it has the teeth of a lion, the fangs of a lioness.” – Joel 1:6
Jeremiah 51:14
“The Lord Almighty has sworn by himself: I will surely fill you with men, as with locusts, and they will shout in triumph over you.” – Jeremiah 51:14
Revelation 9:10
“They had tails with stingers, like scorpions, and in their tails they had power to torment people for five months.” – Revelation 9:10
Lessons from Locusts
Locusts are fascinating creatures, and their behavior offers us valuable lessons we can apply to our lives. In the Bible, we are called to observe their ways and gain wisdom. While they seem insignificant, they display teamwork and persistence, working collaboratively to achieve a goal. These qualities can inspire us in our Christian life, reminding us that unity and collective effort are essential in advancing our faith and serving God. Let’s delve into the lessons we can learn through these Bible verses about locusts.
Proverbs 30:25
“Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks.” – Proverbs 30:25
Job 39:27
“Does the eagle soar at your command and build its nest on high?” – Job 39:27
Matthew 6:26
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:26
Ecclesiastes 4:9
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
1 Corinthians 12:12
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the Bible verses about locusts, we find not just a story of destruction, but also one of warning, judgment, and the possibility of restoration. These verses remind us of God’s sovereignty over all of creation and how He can utilize even the smallest creatures to convey mighty messages. By understanding the broader implications of locusts in scripture, we are encouraged to strengthen our faith and to remain aligned with God’s teachings. We can embrace both the lessons of discipline and the assurance of restoration that the Lord offers to His people.
Let us carry these insights into our daily lives, remembering that no matter the trials we face, we are under God’s care. Our struggles may be likened to the locusts, but our hope for restoration is anchored in God’s promise to take care of us. Together, let’s commit to learning from the lessons these locusts provide and be inspired to grow closer to God as we live out our faith.
May the messages we glean from these scriptures guide us, encourage us, and inspire us to maintain a faithful relationship with our Creator.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
