Palmer Worm
“To cut off”
Summary
The palmer worm was a destructive insect, likely a type of caterpillar or locust larva, mentioned among the plagues that devastated Israel's crops.
☩Identification
The Hebrew word gazam, from a root meaning 'to cut off,' has been variously identified as a species of locust or caterpillar. The Septuagint and Vulgate translations favor caterpillar, while some scholars suggest it may refer to a locust in its larval stage. The English term 'palmer worm' traditionally referred to the hairy caterpillar of the tiger moth, though the biblical creature was likely different.
☩Destructive Impact
The palmer worm is mentioned alongside locusts, cankerworms, and caterpillars as agents of devastating agricultural destruction. These creatures would completely strip plants of their foliage, shearing away leaves 'slice after slice' until vegetation was completely shorn of its verdure. Such infestations represented divine judgment upon Israel for unfaithfulness.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Palmer-Worm," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Palmer-worm," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Palmerworm," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).