Exodus 9:32: “The wheat and spelt, however, were not destroyed, because they ripen later.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 9:32 provides a specific detail about the aftermath of the seventh plague, the hailstorm that struck Egypt. While the previous verse mentioned the destruction of flax and barley, this verse notes that the wheat and spelt were spared from destruction because they ripened later in the season. This detail is significant because it shows that, despite the widespread damage caused by the hail, not all of Egypt’s crops were destroyed. The preservation of these later-ripening crops suggests that God’s judgment was measured, leaving Egypt with the potential for recovery. It also indicates that the plagues were not intended to be total annihilation but were warnings designed to lead Pharaoh and the Egyptians to repentance.
Historical Context
The historical context of this verse is set during the ten plagues that God brought upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. The seventh plague was a severe hailstorm that caused extensive damage to Egypt’s agriculture. By this point, Egypt had already endured six plagues, each one demonstrating God’s power and authority. The mention of the wheat and spelt being spared is important because these crops were essential to Egypt’s food supply. Wheat, in particular, was a staple grain used to make bread, a dietary cornerstone. The preservation of these crops would have provided some relief, allowing the Egyptians to sustain themselves despite the destruction of the earlier-ripening barley and flax.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 9:32 highlights God’s mercy and justice. Even in the midst of severe judgment, God left a portion of Egypt’s resources intact, showing that His judgments were not intended to be entirely destructive. This verse illustrates that God’s actions are purposeful and measured. He could have completely wiped out Egypt’s crops, but instead, He left room for recovery. This reflects God’s character as both just and merciful. The preservation of the wheat and spelt can also be seen as a reminder that God’s discipline is often designed to lead people to repentance rather than simply to punish them. It underscores the idea that God’s ultimate desire is for people to turn back to Him, even after they have experienced His judgment.
Literary Analysis
From a literary perspective, Exodus 9:32 serves as a contrast to the previous verse, which described the destruction of the barley and flax. The verse is concise, focusing on the preservation of specific crops. The phrase “because they ripen later” provides an explanation for why these crops were spared, adding a layer of detail that emphasizes the precise and intentional nature of God’s actions. The contrast between destruction and preservation highlights the selective nature of the plague and the possibility of hope even in the midst of judgment. This verse also serves to maintain tension in the narrative, as it shows that the full impact of the plagues had not yet been realized, leaving the reader to anticipate what might happen next.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Habakkuk 3:17-18 – “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
- Joel 2:25 – “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm—my great army that I sent among you.”
- Psalm 103:8-9 – “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever.”
- Isaiah 55:7 – “Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 9:32 serves as a reminder of God’s mercy, even in times of judgment. It encourages believers to trust that God’s actions are always purposeful and measured, designed to lead people to repentance and restoration. The verse also highlights the importance of recognizing God’s provision, even in difficult circumstances. Just as God preserved the wheat and spelt in Egypt, He often leaves us with resources and opportunities to recover and rebuild after trials. This verse calls Christians to look for signs of God’s mercy and provision in their own lives, even when facing challenges.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love by showing that His judgments are tempered with mercy. God’s decision to spare the wheat and spelt demonstrates that His love extends even to those who are experiencing His discipline. God’s love is not about punishing for the sake of punishment; it is about correcting and guiding people back to Him. This verse reminds us that God’s love is patient and compassionate, always leaving room for hope and recovery. Even in times of difficulty, God’s love ensures that we are not left without the resources we need to turn back to Him and to find our way forward.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 9:32 connects to Jesus Christ in that Jesus embodies the perfect balance of God’s justice and mercy. Just as God spared the wheat and spelt in Egypt, Jesus offers salvation and a way out of judgment for all who believe in Him. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was an act of mercy that made it possible for us to be spared from the ultimate judgment of sin. Through Jesus, we are offered not just a reprieve from immediate consequences but a complete restoration and new life. The preservation of the crops in this verse can be seen as a foreshadowing of the mercy that would later be fully revealed in Jesus Christ.
Relevant Scriptures:
- John 3:16-17 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
- Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
- Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge you to recognize God’s mercy in your life, even during difficult times?
- In what ways can you see God’s provision and preservation in your own circumstances, similar to how He spared the wheat and spelt in Egypt?
- How does understanding God’s balance of justice and mercy influence your relationship with Him?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of looking for signs of hope and recovery after facing trials?
- How can the mercy shown in this verse deepen your appreciation for the mercy and grace offered through Jesus Christ?