Exodus 9:31

And the flaxe, and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the eare, and the flaxe was bolled: Exodus 9:31 (KJV)

Exodus 9:31 belongs to the narrative of the seventh plague that struck Egypt during the time of Moses. The Book of Exodus recounts the Israelites’ liberation from slavery and the ten plagues God sent to compel Pharaoh to release His people. Each plague demonstrated God’s power and served as judgment on the Egyptian gods.

In the seventh plague God sent a hailstorm (see Exodus 9:22‑26). The hail destroyed crops, trees, and animals throughout the land, leaving only the region of Goshen, where the Israelites dwelt, untouched. Exodus 9:31 records the specific damage to two important crops: the barley and the flax. The barley is described as “in the ear,” indicating that the grain heads were already formed and the crop was at a mature stage. The flax is said to be “bolled,” meaning it had reached the stage of seed‑pod formation or flowering.

The significance of these crops is noteworthy. Barley was a staple in ancient Egypt, used for food, brewing, and feeding livestock. Flax provided the fiber for linen, a vital textile material. By targeting barley and flax, God demonstrated authority over the agricultural and economic resources of Egypt and brought judgment upon the Egyptian deities associated with fertility and harvest, such as Osiris.

Theologically, Exodus 9:31 reminds believers of God’s sovereignty over all creation. It shows that He can manipulate the natural order for judgment or deliverance, underscoring the Israelites’ dependence on His provision and warning the Egyptians of the futility of their false gods. Though a brief verse, it is a crucial component of the larger story of God’s deliverance of Israel and His powerful demonstration against the gods of Egypt.