The Bible often mentions insects, using them as symbols of destruction, judgment, and even provision. From the locusts that plagued Egypt to John the Baptist’s diet of wild honey and locusts, bugs play a unique role in biblical narratives. Here are Bible verses that talk about insects, showcasing God’s power, judgment, and provision.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Lady Bug
The Plague of Locusts
Locusts are frequently used in the Bible as a sign of God’s judgment. When Egypt refused to let the Israelites go, God sent a devastating swarm of locusts as one of the ten plagues. This serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God.
Exodus 10:12
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Raise your hand over the land of Egypt to bring on the locusts. Let them cover the land and devour every plant that survived the hailstorm.'”
Exodus 10:14
“And the locusts swarmed over the whole land of Egypt, settling in dense swarms from one end of the country to the other. It was the worst locust plague in Egyptian history, and there has never been another one like it.”
Deuteronomy 28:38
“You will plant much but harvest little, for locusts will eat your crops.”
Joel 1:4
“After the cutting locusts finished eating the crops, the swarming locusts took what was left! After them came the hopping locusts, and then the stripping locusts, too!”
Revelation 9:3
“Then locusts came from the smoke and descended on the earth, and they were given power to sting like scorpions.”
God’s Provision Through Insects
While some insects are a sign of judgment, others reveal God’s provision. John the Baptist survived on locusts and honey, showing how God provides even in the wilderness.
Leviticus 11:22
“You may eat locusts, bald locusts, crickets, and grasshoppers.”
Matthew 3:4
“John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.”
Psalm 78:45
“He sent swarms of flies to bother them and frogs to devastate them.”
Deuteronomy 7:20
“And the Lord your God will send terror to drive out the few survivors still hiding from you!”
Judges 6:5
“These enemy hordes, coming with their livestock and tents, were as thick as locusts. They arrived on droves of camels too numerous to count.”
Ants and Wisdom
Ants are highlighted in the Bible as an example of diligence and wisdom. The book of Proverbs encourages people to learn from the hardworking nature of ants.
Proverbs 6:6
“Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise!”
Proverbs 30:25
“Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer.”
Genesis 41:49
“Joseph stored up huge quantities of grain, like sand on the seashore. Finally, he stopped keeping records because there was too much to measure.”
Ecclesiastes 11:6
“Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both.”
2 Thessalonians 3:10
“Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: ‘Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.'”
The Power of Small Creatures
The Bible teaches that even the smallest creatures display God’s power and wisdom. Despite their size, insects can be mighty forces in God’s plan.
Proverbs 30:24
“There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise.”
Proverbs 30:27
“Locusts have no king, yet they march in formation.”
Job 12:7
“Just ask the animals, and they will teach you. Ask the birds of the sky, and they will tell you.”
Matthew 10:29
“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.”
Psalm 104:24
“O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Bees
Flies as a Symbol of Decay
Flies are often associated with decay and corruption in the Bible. They serve as a symbol of sin, destruction, and the fleeting nature of life.
Ecclesiastes 10:1
“As dead flies cause even a bottle of perfume to stink, so a little foolishness spoils great wisdom and honor.”
Exodus 8:21
“If you refuse, I will send swarms of flies on you, your officials, your people, and all the houses. The Egyptian homes will be filled with flies, and the ground will be covered with them.”
Psalm 78:45
“He sent swarms of flies to bother them and frogs to devastate them.”
Isaiah 7:18
“In that day the Lord will whistle for the army of southern Egypt and for the army of Assyria. They will swarm around you like flies and bees.”
Matthew 23:24
“Blind guides! You strain your water so you won’t accidentally swallow a gnat, but you swallow a camel!”
Bees and Honey as a Blessing
Bees and honey in the Bible symbolize abundance, provision, and even wisdom. Honey is often used as an image of God’s blessings and promises.
Judges 14:8
“Later, when he returned to Timnah for the wedding, he turned off the path to look at the carcass of the lion. And he found that a swarm of bees had made some honey in the carcass.”
Psalm 119:103
“How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.”
Proverbs 16:24
“Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
Deuteronomy 8:8
“It is a land of wheat and barley; of grapevines, fig trees, and pomegranates; of olive oil and honey.”
1 Samuel 14:27
“But Jonathan had not heard his father’s command, and he dipped the end of his stick into a piece of honeycomb and ate the honey. After he had eaten it, he felt refreshed.”
God’s Control Over All Creatures
The Bible makes it clear that even the smallest creatures, including insects, are under God’s control. They can be used for judgment, blessing, or as examples of wisdom and diligence.
Job 12:10
“For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being.”
Matthew 6:26
“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?”
Genesis 1:25
“God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.”
Psalm 50:10-11
“For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are mine.”
Colossians 1:16
“For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.”