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 provides a precise detail within the narrative of the seventh plague, revealing 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 observation 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, setting the stage for subsequent demonstrations of His power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic description of the seventh plague, where an unprecedented hailstorm "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 "Exodus 9:25 - The Devastation of the Hail Plague")). The preceding verse, [Exodus 9:31](/exodus/9-31 "Exodus 9:31 - 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 "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, showcasing His comprehensive control over the natural world as an instrument of His will.
* **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 or 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 and the divine precision in the timing of the plague. Such accuracy would have resonated deeply with an ancient audience familiar with these agricultural cycles.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of God's **absolute sovereignty** over creation and all natural processes; the plague is not a random weather event but a divinely orchestrated act. It also highlights God's **meticulous precision in judgment**, demonstrating that His wrath is not chaotic but purposeful and targeted, affecting specific elements while sparing others based on their state. This calibrated judgment further underscores the theme of **divine knowledge and wisdom**, as God intimately understands the agricultural cycles of Egypt. Finally, the sparing of certain crops, even amidst devastating judgment, subtly introduces the theme of **measured restraint and selective mercy**, foreshadowing God's prerogative to preserve and provide, even as He executes His righteous decrees. This selective action sets the stage for the escalating judgments, leading ultimately to the climactic judgment of the firstborn and the liberation of Israel, as detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus").

### 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 theological and narrative weight, revealing much about God's character and the nature of the plagues.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wheat (Hebrew, _chiṭṭâh'_):** From H2406, this term refers to the staple grain, *Triticum aestivum*, which was a cornerstone of the ancient Egyptian diet and economy. Its mention alongside "rie" (spelt) highlights the comprehensive understanding of the various crops cultivated. The sparing of wheat, a later-maturing crop, demonstrates the precise timing and selective nature of the plague.
* **rie (Hebrew, _kuççemeth'_):** From H3698, this word denotes spelt, a hardy, ancient grain (*Triticum spelta* or *Triticum dicoccum*) closely related to wheat. Its inclusion further emphasizes the specific agricultural knowledge embedded in the text, as spelt was commonly cultivated in ancient Egypt. The fact that it, like wheat, was "not grown up" underscores the precise agricultural timing of the hail.
* **smitten (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, this primitive root means "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." In this context, it refers to the destructive impact of the hail. The negative "not smitten" emphasizes the deliberate exemption of these crops, contrasting sharply with the widespread devastation described in previous verses. This highlights God's power not only to destroy but also to preserve.
* **not grown up (Hebrew, _ʼâphîyl'_):** From H648, this word means "unripe" or "not grown up," implying a state of weakness or immaturity. It provides the direct reason for the wheat and spelt being spared. This precise observation underscores the targeted nature of the plague, indicating that the hail was not a random natural disaster but a divinely controlled, precise act, calibrated to the specific stage of the crops' development.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the wheat and the rie were not smitten":** This clause introduces a critical exception to the widespread destruction of the seventh plague. It highlights God's selective judgment, demonstrating that the hail was not a random, indiscriminate 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. This precision contrasts sharply with the devastation of the flax and barley, emphasizing the Lord's absolute control over the natural order.
* **"for they [were] not grown up":** This explanatory clause provides the natural reason for the crops' preservation. It indicates that the wheat and spelt were in an early, immature stage of growth, rendering them impervious to the hail that devastated more developed plants. Theologically, this detail serves as a testament to God's comprehensive knowledge, extending even to the timing of crop maturation in Egypt, demonstrating His ability to use natural phenomena with supernatural precision to accomplish His purposes.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **contrast** as its primary literary device, setting the spared wheat and rye against the backdrop of the widespread destruction of flax and barley described in the preceding verse. This stark contrast highlights God's specific and deliberate control over the plague, emphasizing that His judgment is not chaotic but precisely targeted. 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, demonstrating His intimate knowledge and command over the agricultural calendar of Egypt. This precision also functions as **foreshadowing**, hinting that God's judgments are not yet complete and that the remaining crops will be targeted in a subsequent plague.

### 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, wisdom, and the escalating nature of His confrontation with Pharaoh.

* 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 "Psalm 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 "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 "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 profound 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, always working towards His ultimate redemptive purposes. This verse challenges us to look beyond surface appearances and discern the purposeful, sovereign hand of God in all things, cultivating a deeper sense of awe and reliance on His wisdom, even when His ways are mysterious.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **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?**
* **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?**
* **Considering God's "measured restraint" even in judgment, how does this aspect of His character shape your view of His justice and mercy, particularly in light of His ultimate plan for salvation?**

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

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, demonstrating divine sovereignty over natural processes. Furthermore, sparing these crops set the stage for the subsequent plague of locusts ([Exodus 10:1-20](/exodus/10-1-20 "Exodus 10 - The 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 and to ensure Pharaoh's continued hardening of heart.

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

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 and agricultural calendar. Such details reinforce the historical reliability of the Exodus narrative.

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

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. This translation clarifies the specific agricultural detail and further underscores the biblical writer's precise knowledge of the Egyptian context.

### 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 "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. Just as the Father's will was perfectly executed in the plagues, so too was the Son's mission perfectly aligned with the Father's redemptive plan, as Jesus Himself stated, "I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me" ([John 8:28](/john/8-28 "John 8:28 - Jesus Speaks as the Father Taught Him")).

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 "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 due to their state, 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 Lamb of God, whose life, death, and resurrection were perfectly timed and executed according to the Father's eternal will, offering salvation to "whoever believes in Him" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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.

Cross-References

Exodus 10:22

And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: