Exodus 9:31 - The flax and the barley were struck, for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was in bloom.
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What does "Exodus 9:31" mean?
This verse from Exodus 9:31 describes the state of the flax and barley crops at the time of one of the plagues God sent upon Egypt. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"The flax and the barley were struck..." This means that the plague, specifically the plague of hail (Exodus 9:22-26), severely damaged or destroyed these crops.
"...for the barley was in the ear..." This indicates that the barley had already reached the stage of development where the grain heads (ears) were forming. This makes it particularly vulnerable to hail damage because the grain is exposed.
"...and the flax was in bloom." Flax was grown to produce linen. Being in bloom meant the flax plants were flowering, an essential stage for developing the fibers needed for linen production. The hail would damage the delicate flowers and developing fibers, ruining the crop.
Significance:
Timing: The verse tells us the specific time of year the plague occurred. Knowing the stage of crop development helps us understand the timing of the Exodus story in relation to the agricultural cycle in Egypt. It was likely early spring.
Economic Impact: Barley and flax were important crops in ancient Egypt. Barley was a staple food, and flax was crucial for making linen, a widely used fabric. The destruction of these crops would have caused significant economic hardship and food shortages.
Specificity of the Plague: The detailed description highlights the targeted nature of the plague. It wasn't just random destruction; it specifically targeted crops that were vital to the Egyptian economy and food supply. This emphasizes God's power and purpose in inflicting the plagues.
Exodus 9:31 - The flax and the barley were struck, for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was in bloom.
What does "Exodus 9:31" mean?
This verse from Exodus 9:31 describes the state of the flax and barley crops at the time of one of the plagues God sent upon Egypt. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"The flax and the barley were struck..." This means that the plague, specifically the plague of hail (Exodus 9:22-26), severely damaged or destroyed these crops.
"...for the barley was in the ear..." This indicates that the barley had already reached the stage of development where the grain heads (ears) were forming. This makes it particularly vulnerable to hail damage because the grain is exposed.
"...and the flax was in bloom." Flax was grown to produce linen. Being in bloom meant the flax plants were flowering, an essential stage for developing the fibers needed for linen production. The hail would damage the delicate flowers and developing fibers, ruining the crop.
Significance:
Timing: The verse tells us the specific time of year the plague occurred. Knowing the stage of crop development helps us understand the timing of the Exodus story in relation to the agricultural cycle in Egypt. It was likely early spring.
Economic Impact: Barley and flax were important crops in ancient Egypt. Barley was a staple food, and flax was crucial for making linen, a widely used fabric. The destruction of these crops would have caused significant economic hardship and food shortages.
Specificity of the Plague: The detailed description highlights the targeted nature of the plague. It wasn't just random destruction; it specifically targeted crops that were vital to the Egyptian economy and food supply. This emphasizes God's power and purpose in inflicting the plagues.