While it might seem odd to think about, insects do show up in the Bible! From plagues of locusts to lessons from ants, Scripture uses these small creatures to teach important lessons. Let’s explore what the Bible says about insects and their symbolic significance.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Influence
Proverbs 6:6-8
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”
This verse encourages us to learn from the industriousness and wisdom of ants. Despite not having a leader, ants work diligently to gather food and prepare for the future. It reminds us to be proactive and responsible in our own lives, taking initiative and taking care of our needs.
Leviticus 11:20-23
“All flying insects that walk on all fours are to be regarded as unclean by you. There are, however, some winged creatures that walk on all fours that you may eat: those that have jointed legs for hopping on the ground. Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket or grasshopper. But all other winged creatures that have four legs you are to regard as unclean.”
This verse provides specific instructions on which flying insects are considered clean or unclean for consumption according to the dietary laws of the Old Testament. It highlights the importance of adhering to the guidelines and regulations set by God for the Israelites.
Proverbs 30:24-25
“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer.”
In this verse, ants are once again portrayed as wise creatures, despite their small size and limited strength. It emphasizes the significance of being resourceful and planning for the future, even when faced with limitations.
Matthew 3:4
“John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.”
This verse describes the unconventional lifestyle of John the Baptist. His clothing and diet were simple and humble, relying on what was available in the wild. It serves as a reminder that material possessions and luxurious preferences are not essential for fulfilling God’s purpose.
Exodus 8:16-17
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron, ‘Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the ground,’ and throughout the land of Egypt the dust will become gnats.’’ They did this, and when Aaron stretched out his hand with the staff and struck the dust of the ground, gnats came on people and animals. All the dust throughout the land of Egypt became gnats.”
This verse recounts the biblical account of Aaron using his staff to bring forth swarms of gnats as a plague upon Egypt. It demonstrates God’s power and sovereignty, showing that even the smallest insects can be used as a tool of divine judgment.
Matthew 3:7
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?’
John the Baptist uses the imagery of vipers, which are venomous snakes, to address the religious leaders who were hypocritical and deceitful. It conveys a strong message of confrontation and rebuke towards those who were not genuinely turning towards God.
Proverbs 30:26
“hyraxes are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags.”
This verse highlights the wisdom of hyraxes, small mammals that live in rocky habitats. Despite their limited strength, they find refuge and safety in the crevices of the rocks. It serves as a metaphor for seeking security and protection in God even when faced with challenges and adversity.
Exodus 10:13
“So Moses stretched out his staff over Egypt, and the Lord made an east wind blow across the land all that day and all that night. By morning the wind had brought the locusts.”
In this verse, locusts were brought upon Egypt as the eighth plague. It symbolizes the devastating effects of disobedience and serves as a reminder of the consequences that can come from turning away from God’s instruction.
Joel 2:25
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm—my great army that I sent among you.”
This verse speaks of God’s promise to restore what has been lost or destroyed. The metaphor of locusts represents the challenges and hardships that the Israelites faced. It shows that God is capable of bringing restoration and redemption, even in the midst of despair.
Luke 5:4-6
“When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.”
This passage recounts the miraculous catch of fish after Jesus instructed Simon Peter to cast his nets into the deep water. It demonstrates the power and authority of Jesus, encouraging us to trust and obey Him even when circumstances may seem discouraging.
Exodus 8:20-21
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Get up early in the morning and confront Pharaoh as he goes to the river and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me. If you do 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; even the ground will be covered with them.”
This verse describes the plague of flies that God sent upon Egypt in response to Pharaoh’s refusal to release the Israelites. It emphasizes God’s authority and control over nature as a means of demonstrating His power and demanding obedience.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
This verse instructs believers to submit to God and resist the temptations and schemes of the devil. It reminds us that by putting our faith in God and standing firm against evil, we have the power to overcome and experience victory in our spiritual lives.
Matthew 17:20
“He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’’”
In this verse, Jesus teaches about the power of faith. Even the smallest amount of faith can lead to extraordinary things. It encourages us to believe that with God, all things are possible, and to trust in His abilities rather than relying solely on our own.
Exodus 10:14
“They settled on every tree and ate all the fruit in the trees and the grain in the fields. Nothing green remained on tree or plant in all the land of Egypt.”
During the plague of locusts in Egypt, these insects devoured all the vegetation, leaving nothing behind. It serves as a reminder of the devastating effects of disobedience and the importance of honoring God’s commands to avoid the consequences of our actions.
Revelation 9:3
“And out of the smoke locusts came down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth.”
This verse describes the demonic locusts that emerge during the events of the book of Revelation. It portrays the destructive nature and influence of sin and evil forces. It reminds us to be vigilant and guard against spiritual attacks.
Proverbs 30:28
“a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.”
This verse highlights the paradoxical nature of lizards. They are easily caught, yet they can be found in prestigious places such as king’s palaces. It serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving and that true worth and value come not from external circumstances but from God’s perspective.
2 Chronicles 7:13-14
“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
This passage highlights the connection between repentance, prayer, and God’s forgiveness. It emphasizes the importance of humility and seeking God’s presence in times of hardship and calls for a turning away from sinful ways. It assures that God is willing to restore and heal when His people seek Him wholeheartedly.
Proverbs 30:15
“The leech has two daughters. ‘Give! Give!’ they cry. There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, ‘Enough!’ “
This verse uses the imagery of leeches and their insatiable hunger to illustrate the destructive nature of greed and covetousness. It warns us about the dangers of never being content and always craving more, in contrast to the pursuit of godly virtues like gratitude and generosity.
Exodus 8:24
“And the Lord did this. Dense swarms of flies poured into Pharaoh’s palace and into the houses of his officials; throughout Egypt, the land was ruined by the flies.”
This verse describes the swarms of flies that invaded Egypt during the plague. It demonstrates God’s ability to bring about judgment and affliction as a consequence of disobedience. It serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise from going against God’s will.
Matthew 6:25-26
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
In this verse, Jesus encourages His followers not to worry about their material needs because God takes care of His creation, including the birds. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness and provision, assuring us that if He cares for the smallest creatures, He will surely provide for our needs as well.
Exodus 8:21-24
“If you do 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; even the ground will be covered with them. But on that day I will deal differently with the land of Goshen, where my people live; no swarms of flies will be there, so that you will know that I, the Lord, am in this land. I will make a distinction between my people and your people. This sign will occur tomorrow.”
This passage illustrates the separation between God’s people and the Egyptians during the plague of flies. It demonstrates God’s ability to protect His own while dealing out judgment to those who oppose Him. It reaffirms that God is in control and has the power to distinguish between the righteous and the wicked.
Matthew 23:24
“You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.”
Jesus uses the imagery of a gnat and a camel to criticize the hypocrisy of religious leaders who focus on minor details while neglecting more significant matters. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing and addressing the weightier aspects of faith and justice rather than getting caught up in trivial matters.
Proverbs 6:6-11
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.”
This verse uses the diligence and wisdom of ants as an example to rebuke laziness and the lack of initiative. It serves as a reminder that procrastination and a lack of effort can lead to negative consequences, urging us to prioritize productivity and responsible stewardship of our time and resources.
Proverbs 30:15-16
“The leech has two daughters. ‘Give! Give!’ they cry. There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, ‘Enough!’: the grave, the barren womb, land, which is never satisfied with water, and fire, which never says, ‘Enough!’”
In this verse, the writer highlights four insatiable things: the grave, the barren womb, land, and fire. It emphasizes the idea that there are aspects of life that can never be fully satisfied or fulfilled. It serves as a reminder of the human condition and the necessity of finding contentment in God alone, rather than seeking fulfillment in endless pursuits or worldly desires.