Definition and Etymology:
Arbeh is the Hebrew term for "locust," a type of grasshopper known for its swarming behavior and devastating impact on agriculture. The word "arbeh" is derived from the root "r-b-h," which means "to multiply" or "to increase," reflecting the locust's ability to reproduce rapidly and form large swarms.

Biblical References:
The locust, or arbeh, is mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible, often symbolizing destruction and divine judgment. One of the most notable references is found in the Book of Exodus, where locusts are the eighth plague that God sends upon Egypt. In Exodus 10:12-15 , the Lord commands Moses to stretch out his hand over Egypt so that locusts will swarm over the land and consume everything growing in the fields, everything left by the hail. The passage describes the locusts as covering the ground until it was black and devouring all that was left after the hail, leaving nothing green on trees or plants in the land of Egypt.

In the Book of Joel, locusts are depicted as a metaphor for an invading army and a call to repentance. Joel 1:4 states, "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 emphasizes the totality of destruction brought by the locusts, serving as a warning to the people of Israel to turn back to God.

Symbolism and Theological Significance:
In the Bible, locusts often symbolize divine judgment and the consequences of sin. Their ability to destroy crops and cause famine serves as a powerful reminder of human dependence on God for sustenance and protection. The plagues in Egypt, including the plague of locusts, demonstrate God's sovereignty and power over creation, as well as His ability to deliver His people from oppression.

The prophetic use of locust imagery, particularly in the Book of Joel, underscores the need for repentance and spiritual renewal. The devastation caused by locusts is likened to the spiritual desolation that results from turning away from God. However, the promise of restoration and blessing follows repentance, as seen in Joel 2:25 : "I will repay you for the years eaten by locusts—the swarming locust, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust—My great army that I sent against you."

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the ancient Near East, locust swarms were a common and feared natural disaster. They could strip fields bare in a matter of hours, leading to severe food shortages and economic hardship. The biblical accounts of locust plagues reflect the historical reality of these events and their impact on agrarian societies.

Conclusion:
The biblical portrayal of locusts as agents of divine judgment and symbols of destruction serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for repentance. Through the imagery of locusts, the Bible communicates themes of judgment, dependence on God, and the hope of restoration for those who turn back to Him.697. arbeh -- (a kind of) locust
... 696, 697. arbeh. 698 . (a kind of) locust. Transliteration: arbeh Phonetic
Spelling: (ar-beh') Short Definition: locusts. ... 696, 697. arbeh. 698 . ...
/hebrew/697.htm - 6kArbeh (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Arbeh (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 11:22 These shall
ye eat of them: the arbeh after its kind, and the solam ...
/a/arbeh.htm - 6k

Locust (25 Occurrences)
... lo'-kust: The translation of a large number of Hebrew and Greek words: 1. Names:
(1) 'arbeh from the root rabhah, "to increase" (compare Arabic raba', "to ...
/l/locust.htm - 34k

Grasshopper (12 Occurrences)
... 7:12; Job 39:30; Jeremiah 46:23, where the Authorized Version has "grasshopper,"
the Revised Version more correctly renders the Hebrew word (`arbeh) by "locust ...
/g/grasshopper.htm - 12k

Plague (142 Occurrences)
... The Hebrew name of this insect, arbeh, points to the "multitudinous" character
of this visitation. Warning was given before this plague came. ...
/p/plague.htm - 49k

Arbatta

/a/arbatta.htm - 7k

Arbel (1 Occurrence)

/a/arbel.htm - 6k

Solam (1 Occurrence)
... Leviticus 11:22 These shall ye eat of them: the arbeh after its kind, and the solam
after its kind, and the hargol after its kind, and the hargab after its kind ...
/s/solam.htm - 6k

Plagues (28 Occurrences)
... The plague of locusts ('arbeh, "locust" (Exodus 10:1-20)) was threatened, and so
frightened were the servants of Pharaoh that they persuaded him to try to make ...
/p/plagues.htm - 44k

Hargab (1 Occurrence)
... Leviticus 11:22 These shall ye eat of them: the arbeh after its kind, and the solam
after its kind, and the hargol after its kind, and the hargab after its kind ...
/h/hargab.htm - 6k

Hargol (1 Occurrence)
... Leviticus 11:22 These shall ye eat of them: the arbeh after its kind, and the solam
after its kind, and the hargol after its kind, and the hargab after its kind ...
/h/hargol.htm - 6k

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