One of the most bizarre stories I’ve come across made mainstream news a few days ago. According to Newsweek and other sources, a swarm of locusts descended upon Mecca, Saudi Arabia’s third-largest city. Due to its prophetic nature, many people on social media quickly mentioned the “end times.”
Even from a non-spiritual perspective, the locust attack raises fears about impending disaster or calamity. Significantly, the swarm’s epicenter was the Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest site. Aside from the religious overtones, the sudden invasion runs counter to our understanding of these pests and their behaviors.
Typically, a major swarm consists of millions of locusts descending upon a targeted area. Quite often, this area features crops or grass. The devastation they leave behind can render overwhelming economic burdens. As a result, scientists are constantly exploring new methodologies to combat these pest insects.
That locusts will circle and invade Saudi Arabia, which essentially is a giant desert, is baffling. Further adding to the mystery, the Grand Mosque is a manmade structure. If the locusts were looking for food – honestly, what else motivates insects? – they did a piss-poor job.
Moreover, locals report that they have never seen anything like this incident. But to call this a harbinger of the end times? For most people, that’s a stretch. Unfortunately, the evidence that we have does not conclusively point towards the Holy Bible or the coming apocalypse.
Those who have faith will believe, while those who do not will simply acknowledge an unusual event. Still, I don’t think it hurts to examine some of the peculiar details.
Uncanny References to Biblical End Times
For argument’s sake, let’s assume that the God of the Holy Bible is real. In that case, one could reasonably presume that the Creator is displeased with all fake or deceptive religions.
Interestingly, Islam is one of the three major world religions, the other two being Christianity and Judaism. Yet in this situation, only one religion has fallen victim to locusts, or any biblical plagues.
Furthermore, throughout the Old Testament, locusts often symbolize God’s punishment through famine and pestilence. For instance, in Deuteronomy 28, God specifies consequences to Israel for disobedience. In particular, verse 38 declares:
You shall bring out much seed to the field but you will gather in little, for the locust will consume it.
Considering recent history, Saudi Arabia is almost begging for God’s judgment. For instance, the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi is an outrageous violation of international law and basic human rights. More critically, growing evidence points to Saudi leadership for funding the 9/11 terrorist attack.
Of course, the main caveat here is that the inferences are all speculation. I cannot prove God in a similar vein to how an atheist can’t prove evolution. Nevertheless, I think it’s wise to consider the existence of forces greater than ourselves.
For me personally, the locust swarm represented a wake-up call. Whether it harkens the end times isn’t really the point. Rather, it’s preparedness. Most of us have prepared financially for a coming economic storm. Recent events, though, have highlighted the importance of spiritual readiness.