Exodus 9:32

but the wheat and spelt were not destroyed, because they are late crops.)

Study Bible

but the wheat and the spelt
In the context of ancient Egypt, wheat and spelt were staple grains, essential for daily sustenance and economic stability. The Hebrew words for wheat ("חִטָּה" - chittah) and spelt ("כֻּסֶּמֶת" - kussemeth) indicate crops that were crucial for survival. Wheat, being a primary grain, was used for making bread, a fundamental food item. Spelt, a more robust grain, was often used in similar ways and was valued for its resilience. The mention of these grains highlights God's mercy amidst judgment, preserving the essentials for life even as He demonstrates His power.

were not destroyed
The phrase "were not destroyed" underscores God's selective judgment. The Hebrew root "שָׁחַת" (shachat) means to ruin or destroy, and its absence here signifies divine restraint. This selective sparing of the crops serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to protect and preserve even in the midst of widespread calamity. It reflects His grace and the opportunity for repentance and redemption, emphasizing that His judgments are purposeful and measured.

because they are late crops
The timing of the crops is significant. "Late crops" refers to the agricultural cycle in Egypt, where wheat and spelt were sown later and thus not affected by the earlier plagues. This detail reveals God's intimate knowledge of creation and His orchestration of events. The Hebrew term for "late" (אָפֵל - aphal) suggests a later stage in the growth cycle, indicating that God's timing is perfect. This serves as a metaphor for spiritual growth and maturity, reminding believers that God's plans unfold in His perfect timing, often preserving and nurturing what is essential for future harvests.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, who is delivering God's messages to Pharaoh.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened against letting the Israelites go.

3. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved and where the plagues are taking place.

4. The Plagues
A series of divine judgments sent by God to persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelites.

5. Wheat and Spelt
Types of grain mentioned in this verse, representing the agricultural aspect of the plagues.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The preservation of the wheat and spelt demonstrates God's control over nature and His ability to execute precise judgment.

Timing and Patience
The mention of "late crops" highlights the importance of God's timing. Believers are reminded to trust in God's perfect timing in their lives.

Provision Amidst Judgment
Even in judgment, God provides. The survival of the wheat and spelt suggests that God’s mercy is present even in times of trial.

Spiritual Resilience
Just as the late crops survived the hail, believers are called to be resilient in their faith amidst trials and tribulations.

Symbolism of Harvest
The harvest imagery can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual growth and the eventual gathering of believers into God's kingdom.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the survival of the wheat and spelt in Exodus 9:32 reflect God's sovereignty and mercy?

2. In what ways can we see God's perfect timing in our own lives, similar to the timing of the late crops?

3. How can the resilience of the wheat and spelt inspire us to remain steadfast in our faith during difficult times?

4. What other biblical events or parables use agricultural imagery to convey spiritual truths, and how do they relate to this passage?

5. How can we apply the lesson of God's provision amidst judgment to our current life situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 41
Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, which also involved the significance of grain and harvests in Egypt.

Joel 1
The prophet Joel speaks of a locust plague that devastates crops, drawing a parallel to the plagues in Egypt.

Matthew 13
Jesus' parable of the wheat and the tares, which uses agricultural imagery to convey spiritual truths.