“But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they were not grown up.”
Exodus 9:32 is part of the narrative describing the seventh plague that befell Egypt, which was the plague of hail. To fully understand the verse, it is helpful to provide some context.
In the preceding verses, Moses had warned Pharaoh about the impending plague of hail as a consequence of his continued refusal to let the Israelites go. The hail was accompanied by thunder and fire, and it destroyed crops, trees, and animals throughout the land of Egypt, with the exception of the land of Goshen, where the Israelites resided (Exodus 9:18-26).
In Exodus 9:32, the verse specifically refers to two types of crops: wheat and rie (spelled “rye” in some translations). It states that these crops were not affected by the hail because they had not yet grown up. This means that the wheat and rye were still in the early stages of development and had not reached a height that made them susceptible to the destructive effects of the hailstorm.
The significance of this verse lies in its demonstration of God’s precise control over the elements and his ability to selectively target the plagues to impact only specific aspects of nature. It highlights the differentiation between God’s judgment upon Egypt and the protection of the Israelites, as Goshen was also spared from the hail.
Additionally, this verse can also serve as a reminder of the agricultural importance of timing and the growth stages of crops. It indicates that the timing of natural occurrences, such as hailstorms, can greatly impact the outcome of a harvest.
Overall, Exodus 9:32 showcases God’s sovereignty and power over nature, revealing his ability to bring forth judgments while still maintaining control and preserving specific elements according to his divine plan.
