Exodus 9:32 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But the wheat and the emmer were not struck down, for they are late in coming up.)

NIV: The wheat and spelt, however, were not destroyed, because they ripen later.)

NASB: But the wheat and the spelt were not ruined, for they ripen late.)

CSB: but the wheat and the spelt were not destroyed since they are later crops.

NLT: But the wheat and the emmer wheat were spared, because they had not yet sprouted from the ground.)

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

NKJV: But the wheat and the spelt were not struck, for they are late crops.

This is part of a brief sidenote (Exodus 9:31) explaining which crops were lost in the recent plague of hail (Exodus 9:24–25). This also gives some clues as to when the hailstorm occurred, and a vague timing for the ten plagues overall (Exodus 3:20). The final plague (Exodus 12:29–30) established the celebration of Passover (Exodus 12:11, 14–19). This occurs near early April. This hailstorm destroyed crops near harvests in January or February. Between now and the last plague would therefore be several months. Most likely, the first plague was around September of the prior year; Pharaoh's stubbornness had lasted quite some time.

Wheat is a key ingredient for bread products. This was one of the most important crops of the ancient world. Egypt was renowned for skill in agriculture. As late as the era of the Roman Empire, Egypt produced massive amounts of grain. The plant called "emmer" is also known as "spelt" (Isaiah 28:25; Ezekiel 4:9). Certain translations incorrectly call it "rye," which is a completely different plant.

Crops eradicated by the storm included flax and barley. Those were nearing harvest, and the hail completely ruined them. Wheat and emmer would have been small buds or not yet sprouted at this time. This would allow them to survive or quickly regrow after the hailstorm. Those are the crops destroyed by locusts in the upcoming plague (Exodus 10:4–5, 15).

God progressively released judgment on Egypt (Exodus 1:11–14). He offered them many opportunities to repent and obey His command (Exodus 5:2; 7:13–14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32). A similar series of judgments is predicted throughout the tribulation period in the end times. Some of those disasters involve locusts (Revelation 9:3, 7) or hail (Revelation 8:7; 11:19; 16:21).

Exodus 9:27–35 shows that Pharaoh is entirely to blame for his stubbornness against God. After a catastrophic seventh plague, the king claims to be convinced. He begs for the hailstorm to stop (Exodus 9:24–25). Moses agrees but is not fooled by the apparent change of heart. As soon as the hail and lightning stop, Pharaoh once again (Exodus 5:2; 7:13–14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7) deliberately defies God. This is a point of no return (Proverbs 29:1). After this, God will ensure that Pharaoh remains obstinate (Exodus 4:21) to establish an example of divine judgment.

After four devastating plagues, Pharaoh continues to resist God's command to free the Hebrew slaves. Through Moses, the Lord sends two more: death of Egyptian livestock and an epidemic of skin lesions. Pharoah refuses to respond to the first, and God makes him stubborn after the second. This leads to the most terrifying sign yet: the seventh plague of hail and fire. Pharoah claims to repent. Yet as soon as the hail stops, he again chooses obstinance. After this, the Lord will use Pharaoh as a tool to demonstrate divine judgment.

Moses and Aaron brought the Lord's command that Pharaoh should release Hebrew slaves (Exodus 5:1–4). Over and over, Egypt's king was obstinate. This resulted in divine plagues meant to demonstrate God's power and authority (Exodus 7:20; 8:6, 17, 24). In this chapter, God sends three more disasters: a plague on livestock, an epidemic of skin sores, and an obliterating storm of hail and lightning. Pharaoh will once again choose stubbornness, passing a point of no return (Proverbs 29:1). For the remaining plagues (Exodus 10—12) and after (Exodus 14:4), Pharaoh will be a living example of the Lord's divine judgment (Exodus 4:21).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.