What does the Bible say about cankerworm?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible presents the cankerworm as part of devastating locust-like plagues through which God warns, humbles, and calls His people to repentance, yet also shows His power to restore. In Joel 1:4, successive swarms consume the land, portraying the seriousness of covenant judgment. Joel 2:25 gives hope: the Lord promises to restore the years eaten by the locust, cankerworm, caterpillar, and palmerworm, displaying His mercy toward a repentant people. Nahum 3:15-16 uses the cankerworm to picture the multiplying yet passing strength of proud Nineveh. These images remind believers that earthly security fades, God rules over judgment, and His grace can renew what sin and suffering have ravaged.