“And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled.”– Exodus 9:31 (KJV)
“The flax and barley were destroyed, for the barley was in the ear and the flax was in blossom.”– Exodus 9:31 (NLT)
“The flax was in bloom and the barley was getting ripe, so they were both ruined.”– Exodus 9:31 (MSG)
What Does Exodus 9:31 Mean?
Exodus 9:31 describes the consequences of one of the plagues inflicted upon Egypt during the time of Moses and Pharaoh. The verse specifically highlights the destruction of flax and barley crops, which were essential to the agricultural economy of Egypt. Understanding this verse requires us to recognize the significance of these plants. Flax was used to produce linen, a major fabric at the time, and barley was a staple grain for the people and livestock. The loss of these crops signifies a broader destruction affecting not just the economy but also the livelihood of many families.
Additionally, we can interpret that this destruction was a part of God’s judgment against Pharaoh’s hard heart and refusal to release the Israelites from slavery. God wanted to demonstrate His power through these plagues, and the loss of crops amplifies the severity of the consequences of Pharaoh’s stubbornness. It serves as a lesson for us about the importance of obedience to God, showing that ignoring His commands can lead to significant repercussions.
Exodus 9:31 Explanation and Commentary
As we look deeper into Exodus 9:31, we notice the stark imagery created by the destruction of the flax and barley. The verse tells us that the barley was “in the ear,” meaning it was at a stage of growth where it was nearly ready for harvest, and the flax was in bloom, which indicates it was also close to being processed. This timing signifies a loss that goes beyond just crops; it represents lost potential and harvest that could have benefited the entire nation.
This moment in Exodus is set against a backdrop of numerous plagues that God brought upon Egypt. In these events, we see a pattern of Pharaoh’s refusal to listen to Moses and let the Israelites go, which was the central request from God. Pharaoh’s hardened heart resulted in God unleashing a series of calamities that would not only affect the Egyptians but also lead to the liberation of the Israelites. This verse is a clear example that what we might perceive as a single loss is more profound in the broader scope of God’s plan.
The message in this verse transcends time, encouraging us to reflect on our own actions. When we ignore the signs and guidance from God, there can be significant consequences. God desires for us to listen to His direction, just as He wanted Pharaoh to heed the warnings delivered by Moses. Historical accounts like this serve as warnings and encouragement for us to seek a closer relationship with God so we can understand His will for our lives.
As we reflect on this, we can also draw comparisons to other situations in Scripture where a hard heart leads to destruction. For example, in Romans 1:21-22, we see the results of people rejecting God’s truth. Such passages remind us that God calls us to be attentive and responsive, rather than stubborn or dismissive to His voice.
Context of Exodus 9:31
To understand Exodus 9:31 fully, we need to consider the context in which it appears. This chapter comes during a series of plagues that God sent upon Egypt, aimed at demonstrating His power and demand for the Israelites’ freedom. The specific plague referenced in this verse is the seventh plague, where God sent hail upon the land as a form of judgment against Pharaoh and his false gods.
Before this plague, God had already sent six others, including the plagues of blood, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock disease, and boils. Each one increased in severity as Pharaoh continued to refuse to let God’s people go. The loss of crops is significant because agriculture was the backbone of Egyptian society. With the crops destroyed, it would lead to famine and economic instability—the very things that could weaken Pharaoh’s grip on power.
This context reinforces the idea of God’s sovereignty over nature and the consequences of sin. God’s message is clear; He has authority over the created order, and when people turn against Him, there are repercussions. It illustrates that God is patient but ultimately will not tolerate disobedience indefinitely. His character as a just God is evident, as He allows for opportunities to repent, but when repeatedly turned away, He enacts judgment.
We can also parallel this event with perhaps the most well-known story in the Bible, the story of Noah and the Ark. Just as God provided warnings through Noah about impending judgment, He does the same through Moses in Egypt. Both stories show us the balance of God’s mercy and His justice. God desires for all to turn to Him, and yet when people choose to live outside of His will, there are natural consequences that will follow.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 9:31
The key parts of Exodus 9:31 revolve around the destruction of the flax and barley crops. The specific terms used in the verse—”smitten,” “in the ear,” and “bolled”—carry considerable weight. “Smitten” means struck or hit, and it signifies the harshness of the judgment being delivered upon Egypt. This word conveys a sense of suffering, loss, and devastation.
When we look at the phrase “in the ear,” it describes the state of the barley, indicating it had reached a critical growth period. In agricultural terms, being “in the ear” means it was ready to be harvested, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Just at the point of harvest, this crop was lost, which for the Egyptians represented a financial disaster.
The context doesn’t just affect the plants; it impacts families who relied on these crops for food and income. This loss goes beyond just economic strife; it shows the personal cost that comes with Pharaoh’s refusal to obey God. We can reflect on our own lives and ask the question of what choices we are making that affect not only ourselves but those around us.
Understanding the deeper meanings within these phrases amplifies the lesson we get from this scripture: we must be aware of how our actions can have significant consequences. God is clearly communicating that He cares deeply for His people and their well-being, which is evident through both His judgments and His efforts to draw us back into relationship with Him. It brings us back to the reminder that we live interconnected lives, where our choices impact others.
Lessons to Learn From Exodus 9:31
Exodus 9:31 gives us many lessons we can take to heart. One of the first lessons is about the consequences of disobedience. Pharaoh’s refusal to heed God’s commands led to dire consequences not only for himself but also for his nation and his people. We see how serious God is about obedience and how He desires for us to follow His instructions. This theme resonates throughout the Bible—as seen in verses like James 1:22, which advises us to be doers of the word, and not just hearers.
Another valuable lesson is about God’s patience and mercy. Despite the destruction caused by the plagues, God offered Pharaoh multiple chances to repent and let the Israelites go. This showcases God’s desire for redemption over judgment. It’s a reminder that no matter how far we stray, God is always ready to receive us back if we turn to Him sincerely.
We can also learn about the importance of recognizing the signs God gives us in our lives. The loss of crops in Egypt serves as a warning not just of the physical judgment but of the spiritual state of the people. It makes us think about the signs in our own lives that may indicate we need to make a change. What warnings is God giving us today? Are we listening?
Lastly, this verse reflects on the need for reliance on God over worldly systems. In Egypt, the agriculture represented wealth and security—a false sense of control. When God strikes this system down, it demonstrates that we cannot rely on our own understanding or resources without acknowledging God’s sovereignty over our lives. It challenges us to evaluate what we hold dear and to place our trust in Him instead.
Final Thoughts
Exodus 9:31 is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty, mercy, and the importance of our response to His will. It speaks volumes about the consequences of a hardened heart and teaches us lessons about obedience and trust in God. As we reflect on the implications of this verse, we encourage ourselves to soften our hearts to God’s voice and to obey His leading in our lives.
God is always reaching out to us, and like Pharaoh, we have the choice to respond positively or negatively to His call. Let’s choose to listen and act on His guidance, which leads to blessings rather than loss. For more inspiration and Biblical insights, you might enjoy exploring Matthew 11 or learning more about God’s plans in Genesis 18. The journey of understanding God’s word is a life-long adventure, and each step we take brings us closer to Him.