Topical Bible: Herbs: Destroyed by Locusts

◄ Herbs: Destroyed by Locusts ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, locusts are often depicted as agents of divine judgment, bringing devastation to crops and vegetation, including herbs. The destruction of herbs by locusts is emblematic of the broader ruin inflicted upon the land during times of divine retribution or natural calamity. This theme is particularly evident in the Old Testament, where locusts serve as a symbol of desolation and a call to repentance.

Biblical References

One of the most prominent accounts of locusts destroying vegetation, including herbs, is found in the Book of Joel. The prophet Joel vividly describes a locust plague that ravages the land of Judah, leaving it barren and desolate. 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 verse underscores the totality of the destruction, with each wave of locusts consuming what remains from the previous one.

The devastation wrought by locusts is not limited to staple crops but extends to all forms of vegetation, including herbs. Joel 1:12 further elaborates, "The vine has dried up, and the fig tree is withered; the pomegranate, palm, and apple—all the trees of the orchard—are withered. Surely the joy of mankind has withered away." While herbs are not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the comprehensive nature of the destruction implies that all plant life, including herbs, is affected.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

In the biblical context, locusts are often seen as instruments of God's judgment, used to bring about repentance and spiritual renewal. The destruction of herbs and other vegetation serves as a tangible reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience. The locust plague in Joel is a call to the people of Judah to return to the Lord with fasting, weeping, and mourning (Joel 2:12-13).

The imagery of locusts destroying herbs and other plants also appears in the narrative of the Exodus. In Exodus 10:12-15 , the eighth plague sent upon Egypt is a swarm of locusts that covers the land and consumes all the vegetation left after the previous plagues. This event demonstrates God's power over creation and His ability to use natural phenomena to fulfill His purposes.

Practical and Spiritual Lessons

The destruction of herbs by locusts in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the fragility of human endeavors and the need for reliance on God. It highlights the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the consequences of turning away from Him. The imagery of locusts consuming the land is a reminder of the transient nature of earthly possessions and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all creation.

In a practical sense, the biblical accounts of locust plagues underscore the vulnerability of agricultural societies to natural disasters and the dependence of human life on the health of the environment. Spiritually, these narratives encourage believers to seek God's mercy and restoration, trusting in His provision and protection even in times of trial and devastation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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 up on the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail has left.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 105:34,35
He spoke, and the locusts came, and caterpillars, and that without number,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Rod that Troubled Egypt.
... It killed the cattle in the fields, and destroyed the grain that was grown, and
broke the trees and herbs. ... would be covered with clouds of locusts that would ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xi the rod that.htm

Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
... after the manner of common locusts, on herbs or trees ... place, had issued forth with
the locusts; who from an ... Cesarea in Cappadocia was taken and destroyed by the ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the three woe trumpets.htm

That Vespasian, after He had Taken Gadara Made Preparation for the ...
... behind despoiled of their leaves by locusts, after they ... the city gates, either to
gather herbs or sticks ... years; he then tormented them and destroyed them, out ...
/.../chapter 9 that vespasian after.htm

Here Next Followeth the History of Moses
... never none like tofore, and thunder and fire that it destroyed all the grass and
herbs of Egypt ... The eighth our Lord sent to them locusts, which is a manner ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here next followeth the history.htm

The Seventh Book
... people had been steeped in Sardonic herbs: [360] they ... the same crimes or greater
ones destroyed the provinces ... had filled all the land like locusts, Gideon was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... when Scripture clearly teaches that every moving creature, like herbs and vegetables ...
throughout the glowing wastes of the desert clouds of locusts are found, it ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Gods of Egypt
... to cast up the eye before it had been destroyed. ... in the sky like the clouds of locusts
driven from ... gums, and then fumigated it with burning herbs and perfumes ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... from which the shrubs and wild herbs shoot forth ... Swarms of locusts follow in its
train, and complete ... Mankind once destroyed, who would then make the accustomed ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... our life annoy us, and at last take away our life, are effectually destroyed; and
therefore ... ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... Thus it was in the first creation; they therefore became neither herbs nor trees,
by the ... of the word of the gospel: "My people perish, [are destroyed] for lack ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm