There are not many animals more simple than a worm. They could very easily be considered one of the species at the bottom end of the animal development ladder. They have no eyes or ears; only a tiny brain which is tied to sensory receptors in their skin; they eat dirt; and if they don’t stay moist, they dry out and die; however, they do have 5 hearts.

So why would God use a metaphor of a worm when describing the people of Israel? They were weak, small and, at this point in history, susceptible to abuse from other nations. God, however, would prove to be a powerful God. He would lift up the Israelites and restore their land. Those who hunger and thirst will be satisfied. And in so doing, not only would the Israelites realize His power, but all people of all lands would come to understand his might.

We too, at times may feel like the insignificant worm, blindly wiggling our way through the mazes of the dirt around us. Like the worm, if we don’t stay “grounded” in God’s Word, we will dry out. But when we quench our souls, and thirst for righteousness, we are filled with God’s Spirit. Our God is a mighty God, He will lift us out of the parched ground and place us in the cool of the shade.