Exodus 9:32

KJV

But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they [were] not grown up.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the wheat {H2406} and the rie {H3698} were not smitten {H5221}: for they {H2007} were not grown up {H648}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the wheat and buckwheat were not ruined, because they come up later.

Berean Standard Bible

but the wheat and spelt were not destroyed, because they are late crops.)

American Standard Version

But the wheat and the spelt were not smitten: for they were not grown up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 9:32, a concise detail within the narrative of the seventh plague, reveals God's meticulous control over the devastating hail upon Egypt: while flax and barley were destroyed, wheat and rye were spared because they had not yet matured. This specific agricultural detail underscores divine precision in judgment, demonstrating God's intimate knowledge of creation and His strategic orchestration of events, even introducing a measure of calibrated mercy amidst wrath.

### CONTEXT
**Literary Context:**
This verse immediately follows the climactic description of the seventh plague, where a devastating hailstorm, unprecedented in Egypt, "smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field" ([Exodus 9:25](/exodus/9-25 "The devastation of the hail plague")). The preceding verse, [Exodus 9:31](/exodus/9-31 "The destruction of flax and barley"), specifies that "the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled." Exodus 9:32 then provides a crucial counterpoint, highlighting what was *not* destroyed, thus setting the stage for the subsequent plague of locusts, which would consume what the hail had left untouched ([Exodus 10:15](/exodus/10-15 "Locusts consume remaining crops")). This narrative progression emphasizes the escalating nature of God's judgments and His deliberate, step-by-step unraveling of Pharaoh's resistance.

**Historical & Cultural Context:**
Ancient Egypt's economy was fundamentally agrarian, heavily reliant on the annual Nile inundation and the subsequent growing seasons. The biblical account's distinction between crops reflects an accurate understanding of the Egyptian agricultural calendar. Flax and barley were early spring crops, typically sown in autumn and harvested in late winter/early spring (February-March). Wheat and "rie" (spelt, a type of wheat) were later crops, sown after the barley and flax, and harvested in late spring or early summer (April-May). Thus, at the time of the hail plague (likely in late winter), flax and barley would be mature and vulnerable ("bolled" or "in the ear"), while wheat and spelt would still be young, possibly just sprouting or even below ground, and therefore unaffected by the hail. This precise detail lends historical verisimilitude to the biblical narrative, demonstrating the author's intimate knowledge of Egyptian life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 9:32 states, "But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they [were] not grown up." This seemingly minor detail carries significant weight.

**Key Word Analysis:**
* **"rie" (רִי, _rî_):** In the KJV, "rie" refers to spelt (*Triticum spelta* or *Triticum dicoccum*), a hardy, ancient grain closely related to wheat, commonly cultivated in ancient Egypt. Its inclusion alongside wheat (*ḥiṭṭāh*) further emphasizes the specific agricultural knowledge embedded in the text.
* **"not grown up" (לֹא אָבֹת, _lo' avot_):** The Hebrew phrase literally means "not yet strong" or "not yet ripe/developed." It indicates that these crops were in an early, immature stage of growth, rendering them impervious to the hail that devastated more developed plants. This precise observation underscores the targeted nature of the plague.

**Verse Breakdown:**
* **"But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they [were] not grown up":** This complete clause introduces a critical exception to the widespread destruction described previously. It highlights God's selective judgment, demonstrating that the hail was not a random natural disaster but a divinely controlled, precise act. The sparing of these specific crops reveals God's intentionality and power to command even the elements with surgical accuracy, based on the natural agricultural cycle which God Himself established and now precisely manipulated. This detail serves as a testament to God's comprehensive knowledge, extending even to the timing of crop maturation in Egypt.

**Literary Devices:**
The verse employs **contrast** to highlight God's specific control, setting the spared crops against the backdrop of widespread destruction. The meticulous detail about the crops' growth stages also serves as a form of **narrative precision**, reinforcing the historical accuracy and divine authorship behind the events. It subtly showcases God's **sovereignty over natural processes**, turning the very rhythms of creation into instruments of His will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's **absolute sovereignty and meticulous control** over all creation, even down to the growth stages of crops. It demonstrates that divine judgment is not chaotic but purposeful, precise, and strategically executed. Even amidst severe wrath, a thread of **measured restraint and calculated mercy** is evident, as God spares certain resources, perhaps to sustain life temporarily or to set the stage for further demonstrations of His power. This selective judgment also underscores God's **intimate knowledge** of the world He created, including the specific agricultural cycles of Egypt. The Lord's plans are not haphazard; they unfold with deliberate intention, revealing His power and wisdom.

* This precision aligns with the biblical truth that God is sovereign over all things, orchestrating events according to His will ([Psalm 135:6](/psalms/135-6 "God does whatever pleases Him")).
* It also echoes the principle that while humanity plans its course, the Lord directs its steps, even in seemingly minor details ([Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord directs our steps")).
* Furthermore, the sparing of some elements, even in judgment, foreshadows God's prerogative to show mercy to whom He wills, even amidst judgment ([Romans 9:15](/romans/9-15 "God has mercy on whom He has mercy")).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 9:32 invites us to consider the profound depth of God's involvement in the world. It reminds us that even in moments of judgment, difficulty, or seemingly random events, God is at work with purpose and precision. For believers, this verse encourages trust in God's perfect timing and His detailed orchestration of our lives and circumstances. Just as He knew the maturity of every crop in Egypt, He knows the intricate details of our lives, our challenges, and our needs. We can find comfort in knowing that His plans unfold with deliberate intention, whether in blessing or in allowing hardship. This verse challenges us to look beyond surface appearances and discern the purposeful hand of God in all things.

**Thought-Provoking Questions:**
1. How does the precise detail of spared crops in Exodus 9:32 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty in seemingly random or destructive events in the world today?
2. In what areas of your life are you struggling to trust God's timing or His detailed involvement? How might this verse encourage you to surrender those concerns to His precise control?
3. Considering God's "measured restraint" even in judgment, how does this aspect of His character shape your view of His justice and mercy?

### FAQ
**Why did God spare the wheat and rye?**

Answer: God spared the wheat and rye primarily because of their stage of growth; they were not yet mature enough to be damaged by the hail. Theologically, this detail highlights God's precise control and strategic planning. It was not an act of random destruction but a targeted judgment. Furthermore, sparing these crops set the stage for the subsequent plague of locusts, which would then consume what the hail had left, demonstrating an escalation of judgment and leaving the Egyptians with no harvest. It also subtly showcases God's calibrated mercy, providing a temporary reprieve or a strategic delay for further demonstration of His power.

**Is this just a story, or does it have historical accuracy?**

Answer: The specific detail about the different maturity cycles of flax/barley versus wheat/rye (spelt) demonstrates a remarkable degree of historical and agricultural accuracy. The author's knowledge of the Egyptian growing seasons, which differed from those in Canaan, suggests either an eyewitness account or a divinely inspired narrative that aligns with historical realities. This precision adds to the credibility of the biblical account, indicating that the plagues were not generic natural disasters but specific, divinely orchestrated events tailored to the Egyptian context.

**What exactly is "rie" in this context?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "rie" (or "rye") refers to spelt (*Triticum spelta* or *Triticum dicoccum*), an ancient grain closely related to wheat. While modern rye (*Secale cereale*) was not commonly cultivated in ancient Egypt, spelt was a significant crop. The Hebrew word *kussemet* (כֻּסֶּמֶת) is consistently translated as "spelt" in most modern versions (e.g., ESV, NIV), accurately reflecting the type of grain grown in that region during that period.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Exodus 9:32 does not contain a direct messianic prophecy, its themes find profound fulfillment and amplification in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The verse highlights God's **sovereignty and precise control** over creation and judgment. Jesus, as the Son of God, demonstrates this same divine authority and precision. He calms storms with a word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Jesus calms the storm")), commands nature, and exercises perfect timing in His earthly ministry. His miracles over creation (e.g., feeding the multitudes, walking on water) underscore His divine power, echoing the God who precisely controls hail and crop cycles.

Furthermore, the idea of **selective judgment and calibrated mercy** in Exodus 9:32 points forward to Christ's ultimate work of salvation. While humanity stands under the judgment of sin, God, in His precise and purposeful plan, sent Jesus not to condemn the world but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "Jesus came not to condemn but to save")). Through Christ's atoning death and resurrection, God's justice is fully satisfied, and His mercy is extended to all who believe. Just as certain crops were "spared" in the plague, so too are believers "spared" from eternal judgment through Christ's sacrifice, reflecting God's deliberate and redemptive plan to preserve a people for Himself. The ultimate fulfillment of God's precise plan for humanity's redemption is found in Jesus, the one whose life, death, and resurrection were perfectly timed and executed according to the Father's will.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.