Exodus 9:31

And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley [was] in the ear, and the flax [was] bolled.

And the flax {H6594} and the barley {H8184} was smitten {H5221}: for the barley {H8184} was in the ear {H24}, and the flax {H6594} was bolled {H1392}.

The flax and barley were ruined, because the barley was ripe and the flax in bud.

(Now the flax and barley were destroyed, since the barley was ripe and the flax was in bloom;

And the flax and the barley were smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was in bloom.

Commentary

Exodus 9:31 provides a specific detail about the devastating impact of the seventh plague upon Egypt: a severe hail storm, accompanied by fire. This verse highlights the precision of God's judgment by specifying which vital agricultural crops were destroyed: "And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley [was] in the ear, and the flax [was] bolled."

Context

This verse is situated within the dramatic account of the ten plagues God sent upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the enslaved Israelites. The seventh plague, hail, was exceptionally severe, striking down everything in the field—people, animals, and vegetation—across the land of Egypt, yet miraculously sparing the land of Goshen where the Israelites resided (Exodus 9:26). Exodus 9:31 offers a precise agricultural snapshot, explaining *why* certain crops were destroyed while others were not. It emphasizes God's direct control over the natural world and His targeted judgment against Pharaoh's stubbornness and the false gods of Egypt.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Precision: God's judgment is not random; it is meticulously applied. The destruction of flax and barley, which were at a vulnerable stage of growth, demonstrates God's exact knowledge and control. This contrasts with wheat and rye, which were not yet mature enough to be destroyed (as stated in the subsequent verse, Exodus 9:32), indicating a purposeful and selective judgment.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Nature: The ability to command such a devastating hail storm, combining ice with fire, and to target specific crops at their particular growth stages, powerfully illustrates God's absolute dominion over all creation. This display of power directly challenged the Egyptian deities associated with fertility, weather, and the Nile.
  • Economic Devastation: Flax was crucial for producing linen, a primary textile in ancient Egypt, used for clothing, mummification, and trade. Barley was a staple food crop for both humans and livestock. The widespread destruction of these essential crops would have had a profound economic and social impact, increasing the pressure on Pharaoh and his kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The word "smitten" in the KJV comes from the Hebrew term nakah (נָכָה), which conveys the idea of striking, hitting, or slaying with force, indicating a powerful and destructive blow. The phrase "the barley [was] in the ear" signifies that the barley grains had developed within the heads of the plants, making them mature and susceptible to damage. Similarly, "the flax [was] bolled" means the flax plants had formed their seed pods or "bolls," indicating they were also well-developed and nearing harvest. These details underscore the precise timing and impact of the plague, targeting crops that were ready for harvest and thus most economically valuable at that moment.

Practical Application

Exodus 9:31 serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous nature and His unwavering control over all things, even in judgment. It teaches us that God's actions are always purposeful and never arbitrary. This account encourages believers to recognize God's immense power and sovereignty over the natural world and human affairs. Just as Pharaoh faced escalating consequences for his defiance, this verse underscores the importance of heeding divine warnings and responding with humility and obedience to God's will. It reminds us that God's counsel stands forever, and His purposes will ultimately prevail.

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Cross-References

  • Ruth 1:22 (4 votes)

    So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

  • Ruth 2:23 (4 votes)

    So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.

  • Amos 4:9 (2 votes)

    I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured [them]: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

  • Habakkuk 3:17 (2 votes)

    Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls: