Moth and Rust

Jesus instructs His disciples to store treasure where moth and rust cannot corrupt, that is, in heaven.

Hosea 5:12 sheds some light on that.  Yahweh is in the midst of condemning priests and kings for their harlotry.  Priests don’t teach Torah and the kings move landmarks, so Yahweh is coming against Ephraim and Judah like a lion (5:15).

Verse 12 contains more unusual animal imagery: Yahweh is coming “like a moth” and “like rottenness” against the two kingdoms.  The treasures they’ve amassed in their harlotry will not escape; they will be consumed by Yahweh the moth, Yahweh the corrupter, Yahweh the rust.

Throughout the gospel, Jesus warns His disciples that judgment is coming on Israel, and when that judgment comes the treasures stored here will be consumed.  Those who follow Jesus, walk in a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, will have secure treasures.