Joel 1:4 is a verse from the Old Testament book of Joel, a prophetic book that describes a devastating locust plague as a symbol of God’s judgment on Israel for their unfaithfulness. The verse reads: “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.” This imagery paints a picture of total devastation, where one wave of destruction follows another, leaving nothing behind. Locusts are capable of stripping fields bare in hours, symbolizing famine, loss, and ruin. This isn’t just one attack—it’s layered, where each stage consumes what the previous one left behind.
Have you ever felt like your life seemed devoured by such attacks? Let us use this as a metaphor for spiritual plagues or seasons of devastation that can erode our lives and hinder our full walk with the Lord. First, let’s consider the four types of locusts mentioned in the verse:
The Four Types of Locusts
In Hebrew, the four types of locusts are distinct words that may refer to different species, stages of growth, or phases of a locust swarm’s attack:
- Cutting locust (Hebrew: gazam): the gnawing or chewing locust, which starts the invasion by cutting down plants at the roots. It’s the initial invader that bites into and cuts down the first growth (e.g., tender shoots or early crops).
- In a swarm, these might represent the adult locusts that start the damage by stripping leaves and stems.
- Symbolically, it shows the beginning of loss—something foundational is severed.
- Swarming locust (Hebrew: arbeh): the multiplying, or invading locust, which arrives in massive numbers like an army, overwhelming everything.
- This type is known for its vast numbers that darken the sky like a cloud.
- It consumes what the first wave leaves, overwhelming through sheer volume.
- In nature, this stage amplifies the destruction as the population explodes, covering and devouring fields en masse.
- Hopping locust (Hebrew: yeleq): the young locust, which jumps from plant to plant, devouring what’s left in a more erratic, pervasive way.
- This type is agile and jumps or skips over obstacles to reach remaining resources.
- It “licks up” or finishes off scattered remnants, adding a sense of relentless pursuit.
- Some scholars see this as immature locusts in a hopper phase, emphasizing mobility and evasion of defenses.
- Destroying locust (Hebrew: chasil): the consuming or finishing locust, which wipes out any remnants, ensuring complete annihilation.
- It devours even the roots, seeds, and hidden stores left by the others, leaving nothing for recovery.
- This final wave ensures barrenness, symbolizing complete desolation.
Each stage builds on the previous, escalating the damage until the land is utterly barren. Prophetically, Joel uses this as a metaphor for God’s judgment (Joel 1:1-2:11), but it also points to hope in repentance and restoration (Joel 2:12-32). This verse is often applied spiritually to the believer’s life, illustrating how losses and devastations can accumulate like waves of locusts, stripping away fruitfulness in one’s walk with God.
These “locusts” can symbolize spiritual, emotional, or relational barrenness caused from roots of rejection (broken relationships, devastated career, choosing isolation over vulnerability in relationships leading to self-imposed loneliness), disappointments (unmet expectations, loss), failure (even perceived failure, self-sabotage, giving in to works of the flesh), unfulfilled potential (stalled spiritual growth, emotional barrenness, outcome of rebellious choices), which hinder intimacy with God, shake our faith, and disrupt or delay our purpose.
Think of the four locusts as progressive cycle of destruction: starting with personal choices, moving to broader human influences, and culminating in enemy attacks – of course these do not come in any particular order and often go unnoticed if we are not alert to the strategies of the enemy. This progression shows us how small beginnings, disobediences, wrong choices, and not following God’s guidance and peace can lead to total spiritual “famine” if not addressed through repentance, prayer, and reliance on God.
There is hope!
God can redeem even total devastation, turning loss into testimony (Romans 8:28). Joel’s message is a call to repentance (Joel 2:12-13) and God’s promise to “restore the years that the swarming locust has eaten.” This means we can experience healing and abundance through turning to Christ. Restoration requires active faith: confess sin, seek God (1 John 1:9), and steward what’s given. Romans 12:2 urges, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” It’s not always immediate. For example, Charles Spurgeon notes lost years aren’t literally returned but compensated in quality. Restoration points to Christ, the ultimate Redeemer, ensuring your story glorifies Him.
If you’re in this season, pray Joel 2:25 over your life—God is faithful to restore!
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.”