Insects
Insects in Biblical Law
The most systematic biblical treatment of insects appears in the dietary regulations of Leviticus 11:20-23. Here Moses distinguishes between clean and unclean winged insects. Most flying insects that walk on all fours are declared unclean, but those with jointed legs for hopping — specifically locusts, crickets, and grasshoppers — are permitted as food. This exception is significant because locusts were an important protein source in the ancient Near East and remain a traditional food in parts of the Middle East today. John the Baptist's diet of "locusts and wild honey" (Matthew 3:4) was perfectly consistent with Mosaic law and reflected an ascetic wilderness lifestyle.
Instruments of Divine Judgment
Insects frequently appear as agents of God's judgment in Scripture. The plagues of Egypt included lice (or gnats) as the third plague (Exodus 8:16-19) and swarms of flies as the fourth plague (Exodus 8:20-24). The eighth and most agriculturally devastating plague brought locusts that "covered the face of the whole land, so that the land was darkened" and devoured every remaining plant (Exodus 10:14-15). The prophet Joel described a catastrophic locust invasion as a divine army, with successive waves of destruction: "What the cutting locust left, the swarming locust has eaten" (Joel 1:4). God's control over insects demonstrated his sovereignty over all creation.
The Locust: Symbol of Devastation
The locust receives more attention than any other insect in the Bible, with multiple Hebrew words describing various species or life stages. Locust swarms were among the most feared natural disasters in the ancient Near East, capable of stripping an entire landscape bare in hours. Deuteronomy 28:38, 42 lists locusts among the covenant curses for disobedience. Yet God could also use locusts redemptively — Joel 2:25 promises, "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten," offering hope of divine restoration after judgment. In Revelation 9:3-10, apocalyptic locusts appear as agents of end-times tribulation.
The Bee and the Hornet
Bees are mentioned four times in the Old Testament. Samson found a swarm of bees and honey in the carcass of a lion he had killed (Judges 14:8), providing the basis for his famous riddle. In Deuteronomy 1:44, Moses recalled how the Amorites "chased you as bees do," using the aggressive swarming behavior of bees as a metaphor for military pursuit. Psalm 118:12 similarly describes enemies surrounding the psalmist "like bees." Isaiah 7:18 uses the bee as a symbol of the Assyrian armies that God would summon against Judah. The hornet also appears as a divine instrument for driving out the Canaanites (Exodus 23:28; Deuteronomy 7:20; Joshua 24:12).
Insects in Wisdom Literature
The wisdom tradition drew moral lessons from insect behavior. The ant is held up as a model of industry and foresight: "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise" (Proverbs 6:6-8; 30:25). Despite being among the smallest creatures, ants demonstrate the wisdom of preparing for the future. The moth appears as a symbol of decay and impermanence, destroying stored garments (Job 13:28; Isaiah 50:9; Matthew 6:19). Jesus used this image to warn against storing up earthly treasures that moths and rust can destroy.
The Flea and Other Small Insects
Smaller insects appear in metaphorical contexts. David twice referred to himself as a flea when addressing King Saul, emphasizing his insignificance: "After whom has the king of Israel come out? After a dead dog? After a flea?" (1 Samuel 24:14; 26:20). This self-deprecating comparison underscored the absurdity of a king pursuing someone so unimportant. Jesus mentioned the gnat in his rebuke of the Pharisees, accusing them of "straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel" (Matthew 23:24) — meticulously observing minor regulations while ignoring weightier matters of justice and mercy.
Biblical Context
Insects appear across nearly every genre of biblical literature. The dietary laws address them in Leviticus 11:20-23. The plagues of Egypt feature lice/gnats (Exodus 8:16-19), flies (Exodus 8:20-24), and locusts (Exodus 10:12-15). Prophetic literature uses insects as symbols of judgment (Joel 1:4; Isaiah 7:18). Wisdom literature draws moral lessons from the ant (Proverbs 6:6-8) and the moth (Job 13:28). Jesus references gnats (Matthew 23:24) and moths (Matthew 6:19-20).
Theological Significance
Insects in the Bible demonstrate God's sovereignty over all creation, including its smallest creatures. They serve as instruments of divine judgment, symbols of moral instruction, and reminders of human frailty. The dietary laws taught Israel to be discerning even in small matters. The prophetic use of locusts as divine armies affirmed that God controls the forces of nature. The wisdom tradition's observation of insect behavior encouraged virtues like diligence and humility. Jesus' references to gnats and moths challenged religious hypocrisy and misplaced priorities.
Historical Background
Locust swarms were one of the most devastating natural phenomena in the ancient Near East, and records of their destruction appear in Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Roman sources. Archaeological evidence confirms that locusts were consumed as food throughout the region. Ancient beekeeping is attested in Palestine through the discovery of clay hives at Tel Rehov dating to around 900 BC, one of the earliest known apiaries. The identification of specific Hebrew insect terms remains debated, as some words may refer to different life stages of the same insect rather than distinct species.