I. Literal and local plague of locusts, Chapter 1:1-14
vv. 1, 2 — There is nothing like this locust plague in the memory of man.
v. 3 — There is nothing like the locust plague in the future. It is unprecedented and will be remembered as something that cannot be compared to any other similar experience in the history of the nation. The Great Tribulation is just such an experience according to the Lord Jesus (see Matthew 24:21).
v. 4 — “Palmer worm” (gazam) means to gnaw off.Locust” (arbeh) means to be many; migratory.Cankerworm” (yeleq) means to lick off.Caterpillar” (chasil) means to devour; consume.
Some expositors interpret these words as describing four stages of the development of the caterpillar, while others consider them to be four different kinds of insects. On many occasions, locusts devastated large portions of the earth. The island of Cyprus was stripped by locusts for 250 years. The Israelite was permitted to eat locusts (Leviticus 11:22). Locusts were sent as a judgment from God (see Deuteronomy 28:38-42; 1 Kings 8:37). In Revelation 9:1-12 is the final fulfillment of locusts.
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