Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "swarm" is often associated with the movement and gathering of large groups of creatures, typically insects or animals, and is used to convey both natural phenomena and divine intervention. The concept of swarming is significant in various scriptural contexts, illustrating themes of abundance, judgment, and the power of God over creation.Old Testament References One of the most notable occurrences of swarming in the Bible is found in the account of the plagues of Egypt. In Exodus 8:21-24 , God sends a swarm of flies upon Egypt as the fourth plague: "But if you will not let My people go, I will send swarms of flies on you and your officials, on your people and into your houses. The houses of the Egyptians will be full of flies, and even the ground where they stand." This plague demonstrates God's sovereignty and serves as a judgment against Pharaoh for his refusal to release the Israelites. The concept of swarming is also present in the description of locusts, which are often depicted as instruments of divine judgment. In Joel 1:4 , the prophet describes a devastating locust invasion: "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 totality of destruction brought by the locusts, symbolizing the severe consequences of Israel's disobedience. Symbolism and Themes Swarming is frequently used symbolically in the Bible to represent overwhelming numbers and the unstoppable force of divine will. In Deuteronomy 28:42 , as part of the curses for disobedience, it is stated: "Swarms of locusts will consume all your trees and the produce of your land." Here, the swarm signifies the comprehensive nature of God's judgment upon those who turn away from His commandments. In a more positive light, swarming can also denote abundance and blessing. In Genesis 1:20-22 , during the creation narrative, God commands the waters to "teem with living creatures" and blesses them to "be fruitful and multiply." This portrayal of swarming life forms underscores the richness and fertility of God's creation. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not frequently use the term "swarm," the imagery of large gatherings and multitudes can be seen in the accounts of Jesus' ministry. For example, in Mark 3:9-10 , the crowds that gather around Jesus are described as so numerous that He instructs His disciples to have a boat ready to prevent the crowd from crushing Him. This reflects the intense interest and need of the people for Jesus' teachings and healing. Conclusion The biblical use of "swarm" serves as a powerful metaphor for both divine judgment and blessing. It illustrates the might and authority of God over creation, as well as the consequences of human actions in response to His commands. Through the imagery of swarming, the Bible communicates themes of abundance, destruction, and the omnipotence of God in the natural world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To climb a tree, pole, or the like, by embracing it with the arms and legs alternately. See Shin.2. (n.) A large number or mass of small animals or insects, especially when in motion. 3. (n.) Especially, a great number of honeybees which emigrate from a hive at once, and seek new lodgings under the direction of a queen; a like body of bees settled permanently in a hive. 4. (n.) Hence, any great number or multitude, as of people in motion, or sometimes of inanimate objects; as, a swarm of meteorites. 5. (v. i.) To collect, and depart from a hive by flight in a body; -- said of bees; as, bees swarm in warm, clear days in summer. 6. (v. i.) To appear or collect in a crowd; to throng together; to congregate in a multitude. 7. (v. i.) To be crowded; to be thronged with a multitude of beings in motion. 8. (v. i.) To abound; to be filled (with). 9. (v. i.) To breed multitudes. 10. (v. t.) To crowd or throng. Strong's Hebrew 6157. arob -- probably a swarm... 6156, 6157. arob. 6158 . probably a swarm. Transliteration: arob Phonetic Spelling: (aw-robe') Short Definition: swarms. ... divers sorts of flies, swarm. ... /hebrew/6157.htm - 6k 8317. sharats -- to swarm, teem 3654. ken -- gnat, gnats, a gnat swarm 5712. edah -- congregation 1373b. gobay -- locusts 7430. ramas -- to creep, move lightly, move about 8318. sherets -- swarmers, swarming things Library Evil Thoughts. The Cost of Being Cruel and Stubborn The Acceptance of the Christian Conception of Life Will Emancipate ... Christ Teaching by Parables Discipline Cautions against False Doctrine. Book iv. --Of Marcion's Antitheses. Thoughts for the Clergy on the Amusement Question. Book Seven the Conversion to Neoplatonism. ... 'the Angel Adjutant' Thesaurus Swarm (26 Occurrences)... 4. (n.) Hence, any great number or multitude, as of people in motion, or sometimes of inanimate objects; as, a swarm of meteorites. ...Swarm (26 Occurrences). ... /s/swarm.htm - 15k Locust-swarm (1 Occurrence) Bee (1 Occurrence) Swarming (19 Occurrences) Pontus (3 Occurrences) Swarms (18 Occurrences) Creatures (83 Occurrences) Lod (4 Occurrences) Fly (33 Occurrences) Creature (73 Occurrences) Resources Why did God use a locust swarm to punish Israel (Joel 1:4)? | GotQuestions.orgIs Joel 1:4 referring to literal locusts? When was this prophecy fulfilled? | GotQuestions.org Were fish and sea creatures also destroyed during the Flood (Genesis 6-8)? | GotQuestions.org Swarm: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Swarm (26 Occurrences)Genesis 1:20 Genesis 1:21 Genesis 7:21 Genesis 8:17 Genesis 9:7 Exodus 8:3 Exodus 8:24 Exodus 10:12 Exodus 10:14 Leviticus 11:10 Leviticus 11:29 Leviticus 11:31 Leviticus 11:42 Leviticus 11:43 Leviticus 11:44 Deuteronomy 1:44 Deuteronomy 14:19 Judges 14:8 Psalms 105:31 Isaiah 33:4 Jeremiah 12:12 Jeremiah 51:14 Jeremiah 51:27 Joel 1:4 Joel 2:25 Micah 2:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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