The word “rebuke” means to speak words of disapproval, with the implied command to desist doing that which is disapproved. For example, Joseph told his father Jacob of the dreams he had, and his father “rebuked” him. That is, Isaac spoke words of disapproval, with the implication that Joseph should stop speaking of such things (Genesis 37:10, also Jeremiah 29:27, Ruth 2:16). When the Lord rebukes something or someone, it means that he speaks words of disapproval with divine authority, with the consequence that that which God disapproved was effectually halted (e.g., nations are rebuked, so that they cease to roar like many waters; see Isaiah 17:13; Psalm 106:9). In Malachi 3:11, the Lord promised that if Israel would repent and give him their tithes, he would speak words that would put an end to the plague of locusts and other pests and pestilences that were destroying the produce of the ground.
11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts.