The Book of Revelation, the ultimate chapter of the New Testament, is a fascinating text full of apocalyptic visions and wealthy symbolism.
Among its many symbols, the locusts, though not the unusual insects we encounter in life, carry deep symbolic meanings that resonate throughout the text. What is the importance to us today?
Biblical Context of Revelation
Before delving into the symbolism of locusts and exploring the theological context wherein they seem, it’s important to know the broader context of this apocalyptic text. The term “apocalypse” in Greek denotes the revealing, uncovering, and revealing of something previously unknown.
Revelation was written by aged Evangelist John, who was exiled to the Isle of Patmos by the Roman government for preaching the gospel.
He received messages from Jesus directed to the seven churches, together with visions of the tip times. “The revelation from Jesus Christ…the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 1:1, 2).
Roman persecution was an abiding facet of the seven Asia Minor churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
As each pastor and overseer of those churches, John uniquely articulated a letter urging those persecuted churches, “written within the Book of Life,” to stay faithful in persecution, confident of everlasting victory.
Through his prophetic vision of future events, he disclosed God’s ultimate overcome evil.
From chapters six to nineteen, Revelation details the approaching seven-year tribulation period, a manifestation of God’s judgment on wickedness.
The church, removed through the rapture after Chapter Three, now dwells with the Lord in heaven. On earth, divine wrath is unleashed alongside the proclamation of “the gospel…to each nation, tribe, language, and folks” (Revelation 14:6).
An angel flying urging all nations to “Fear God, give Him glory, and worship Him because the hour of His judgment arrives” (14:7). Those who reject the decision will face the implications of doom and everlasting separation from a loving God.
Symbolism in Ancient Culture
Prior to the ultimate call, Revelation 9 portrays the looks of locusts woven into the events of the fifth and sixth trumpets, designated as “woes” upon the world. In the biblical era, locusts were often seen as harbingers of God’s destruction and divine punishment.
They could devastate entire crops and result in famine and suffering. In Exodus 10:4-6, when Pharaoh refused to allow the Hebrews to depart Egypt’s slavery, locusts became the instrument of the eighth plague upon Egypt.
Moses said, “If you refuse to let my people go, behold, tomorrow I’ll bring locusts into your country. And they shall cover the face of the land in order that nobody can see the land. And they shall eat what’s left to you after the hail, they usually shall eat every tree of yours that grows in the sphere.”
God’s judgment and destruction with locusts in Joel’s prophecy against Judah says, “What the cutting locust left, the swarming locust has eaten. What the swarming locust left, the hopping locust has eaten, and what the hopping locust left, the destroying locust has eaten” (Joel 1:2-4).
Locusts, though not literal as they refrain from eating grass or vegetation, figuratively emerge in Revelation 9:1-12 as tormentors of nonbelievers. Verses 7-10 describe the locusts as otherworldly.
Interpretations of the Locusts
The Church’s rapture in Revelation initiates God’s wrath being poured upon the world as His ultimate effort to guide Israel and the nations toward repentance.
Locusts, one among several apocalyptic and symbolic themes woven throughout Revelation, are God’s wrath unbridled against evil. In the ultimate three and a half years of the Tribulation, all the world will bear the burden of many woes and afflictions prior to Christ’s Second Coming.
Revelation 9:20-21 reveals the persistent lack of repentance despite locusts, woes, and plagues.
“The remainder of mankind…didn’t repent of the works of their hands; they didn’t stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood — idols that can’t see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality, or their thefts.”
Theological and Contemporary Relevance
The locust symbolism in Revelation compels readers to contemplate God’s divine judgment with a up to date relevance.
The anticipation of the Rapture adds an imminent dimension, and the next Tribulation period is seen as a herald for God’s Kingdom in a New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21- 22).
God’s purpose for redeeming Israel and the lost will find achievement as they respond with repentance of those that come out of the good tribulation: “They have washed their robes and made them white within the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14).
Revelation 18 prophesies the everlasting doom of Babylon the Great, symbolic of all evil world systems and powers, rulers, and the Antichrist.
Rebellion against God’s authority and salvation will likely be eternally condemned. “If anyone’s name was not found written within the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fireside” (Revelation 20:15).
God promised David a perpetual line on the throne: “Your house and your kingdom will endure without end before me; your throne will likely be established without end” (2 Samuel 7:16).
This prophecy is fulfilled through Jesus: “Of the greatness of His government and peace there will likely be no end. He will reign on David’s throne…without end” (Isaiah 9:7).
What Does the Significance of Locusts Mean for Us Today?
The significance of locusts in Revelation is deeply rooted within the historical, cultural, and theological context of the text.
Their appearance is a stark reminder of God’s justice coming upon the world, revealing the time of His wrath on wickedness. It also calls us to look at our hearts and see if we’re ready for His return.
Revelation offers not only a vision of God’s punishment for sin and evil but additionally a message of hope, redemption, and the last word triumph of fine over evil.
In Luke 18:8, Jesus asked, “When I come, will I find faith?” Amid the various demands on our time, what takes priority in guiding us toward eternity?
Jude urges us to “contend for the religion” (v. 3), emphasizing the continued spiritual battle that demands our constant devotion and persevering commitment to an authentic relationship with God.
Jesus said the one who “has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me” (John 14:21). Without every day dressing within the spiritual battle armor of God’s Word, we change into comfortably deceived by the culture and prone to worldly influences.
God’s Word will keep us from sin and guard against such enticements. Exploring the locusts in Revelation invites us to have interaction this powerful biblical narrative and analyze our priorities for everlasting life. Are we ready for His coming? 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10 reminds us,
“He will punish those that have no idea God and don’t obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will likely be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might on the day he involves be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at amongst all those that have believed.”
For further reading:
What Is the Significance of the Plague of Locusts?
What Were the ten Plagues that God Inflicted on Egypt and Is COVID-19 Similar?
What Is the Timeline of Revelation?
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