Exodus 9:31: “The flax and barley were destroyed, since the barley had headed and the flax was in bloom.”

Extended Explanation

Exodus 9:31 provides specific details about the impact of the seventh plague on Egypt’s agriculture. The hailstorm that God sent destroyed the flax and barley crops because they were in their prime growing stages—barley had headed, and flax was in bloom. This verse highlights the precise and devastating effects of the plague, emphasizing that it was not just a general disaster but one that struck at the heart of Egypt’s agricultural economy. The destruction of these crops would have had significant economic and social consequences, as both barley and flax were important to the Egyptian economy and daily life. Barley was a staple food source, while flax was used for making linen, a key material in Egyptian society.

Historical Context

The historical context of this verse is set during the time when God was delivering the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This verse occurs within the narrative of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. By the time of this seventh plague, Egypt had already endured six previous plagues, each one demonstrating God’s power and authority over the natural world. The hailstorm specifically targeted Egypt’s agricultural resources, striking at a critical time when certain crops were vulnerable to damage. The destruction of the barley and flax would have led to significant economic hardship, as these crops were essential for food and textiles. This verse also shows the careful timing of God’s judgments, as the plague struck when it would have the maximum impact on Egypt’s resources.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Exodus 9:31 underscores God’s control over nature and His ability to bring judgment in ways that directly affect the lives and livelihoods of those who oppose Him. The destruction of the barley and flax crops is a reminder that God’s judgments are not random but are intentional and purposeful. This verse also highlights the theme of God’s justice. The plagues were not just about demonstrating God’s power but also about bringing justice to a people who had been oppressed for generations. The precise timing of the plague suggests that God’s actions are measured and deliberate, aimed at achieving His purposes. The verse also reminds us of the fragility of human resources and the need to rely on God rather than material wealth.

Literary Analysis

Literarily, Exodus 9:31 is a descriptive verse that provides specific details about the impact of the plague. The verse uses agricultural terms to convey the severity of the damage, emphasizing that the barley had “headed” and the flax was “in bloom,” both indicating that these crops were at a critical stage of growth. The verse’s focus on these details highlights the targeted nature of the plague and serves to underscore the thoroughness of God’s judgment. The verse is concise but impactful, giving the reader a clear picture of the extent of the destruction caused by the hailstorm.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Joel 1:10-12 – “The fields are ruined, the ground is dried up; the grain is destroyed, the new wine is dried up, the olive oil fails. Despair, you farmers, wail, you vine growers; grieve for the wheat and the barley, because the harvest of the field is destroyed. The vine is dried up and the fig tree is withered; the pomegranate, the palm, and the apple tree—all the trees of the field—are dried up. Surely the people’s joy is withered away.”
• Isaiah 17:10-11 – “You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress. Therefore, though you set out the finest plants and plant imported vines, though on the day you set them out, you make them grow, and on the morning when you plant them, you bring them to bud, yet the harvest will be as nothing in the day of disease and incurable pain.”
• Psalm 107:33-34 – “He turned rivers into a desert, flowing springs into thirsty ground, and fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who lived there.”
• Deuteronomy 28:38 – “You will sow much seed in the field but you will harvest little, because locusts will devour it.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, Exodus 9:31 serves as a reminder of the power and authority of God over all aspects of life, including the natural world and our material resources. It challenges believers to recognize that everything we have is ultimately under God’s control, and that our reliance should be on Him rather than on the stability of our circumstances. This verse also serves as a warning about the consequences of opposing God’s will. Just as the Egyptians experienced loss due to their defiance, Christians are reminded that turning away from God can lead to significant spiritual and material consequences. The verse encourages believers to trust in God’s provision and to acknowledge His sovereignty in every area of life.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse, while focusing on the destruction brought by the plague, also relates to a loving God who desires justice and righteousness. God’s actions were aimed at freeing the Israelites from oppression and demonstrating His power to those who opposed Him. The precision of the plague shows that God’s judgments are not arbitrary but are carried out with purpose and fairness. God’s love is also evident in His desire to correct and guide people back to Him, even if it requires difficult circumstances to do so. This verse reminds us that God’s love sometimes involves discipline, but it is always with the goal of leading people to repentance and restoration.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Exodus 9:31 connects to Jesus Christ in that Jesus also spoke of the importance of recognizing God’s authority and the need to build our lives on a foundation that cannot be shaken. Just as the crops in Egypt were destroyed because they were vulnerable, Jesus taught that those who build their lives on anything other than God’s word are at risk of destruction when trials come. The destruction of the crops in this verse can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate judgment that Jesus warned about—a judgment that will separate those who have placed their trust in Him from those who have not. Through Jesus, believers are offered a secure foundation and the assurance of God’s provision and protection.

Relevant Scriptures:

• Matthew 7:24-27 – “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
• John 15:5-6 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”
• Luke 12:16-21 – “And he told them this parable: ‘The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, “What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.” Then he said, “This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.'”

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse challenge your understanding of God’s control over the material resources in your life?
2. In what ways can you ensure that your reliance is on God rather than on the stability of your circumstances?
3. What does this verse teach you about the consequences of opposing God’s will, and how can that influence your decisions?
4. How can you apply the principle of building your life on a secure foundation, as Jesus taught, in your daily walk with God?
5. How does understanding God’s love in the context of discipline help you grow in your relationship with Him?