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"The people writhe in pain"

Text: Joel 2:6

THE IMAGERY OF A LOCUST SWARM

There was a vivid description of the locust swarm descending on Israel. Joel described it as an army.

“Before them the people writhe in pain;
All faces are drained of colour.
They run like mighty men.
They climb the wall like men of war;
Everyone marches in formation,
And they do not break ranks.”
Joel 2:6-7

1. “Before them the people writhe in pain”

All faces are drained of colour.

a) But not because locusts attack people.

b) Israel knew the devastation that a swarm of locusts could cause.

c) Thus, the people of Israel

i) Felt great pain.

ii) Their faces became white, drained of colour.

2. The locust swarm

a) They were like “mighty men”.

b) They were able to climb walls as soldiers trained in warfare.

c) The locusts were compared to an army on the march.

d) They were well-disciplined and thus they do not break ranks.

e) It was like a very well-disciplined army.

THE WARNING OF THE PLAGUE OF LOCUST

This word of warning was given by Moses. He prophesied of the Lord sending a curse of locusts on the land if Israel chose the path of sin and disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:38-46).

1. The locust was specifically mentioned (Deuteronomy 28:38).

2. The following would be affected

a) Vineyards

b) Olive trees

c) All the produce would be consumed (Deuteronomy 28:42).

3. The mention of enemy aliens

a) They would conquer Israel (Deuteronomy 28:41).

b) They would have the upper hand and rule Israel (Deuteronomy 28:43-44).

c) These curses would affect their descendants severely (Deuteronomy 28:46).