Exodus 9:31
And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled.
Original Language Analysis
נֻכָּ֑תָה
was smitten
H5221
נֻכָּ֑תָה
was smitten
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
3 of 8
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אָבִ֔יב
was in the ear
H24
אָבִ֔יב
was in the ear
Strong's:
H24
Word #:
6 of 8
green, i.e., a young ear of grain; hence, the name of the month abib or nisan
Cross References
Ruth 1:22So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Beth-lehem in the beginning of barley harvest.Ruth 2:23So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.
Historical Context
Nut, sky goddess, arched over earth as protective dome. Seth controlled storms and chaos. The storm's supernatural nature—fire and ice together—proves divine origin. Only those who 'feared the word of the LORD' (v.20) saved their livestock.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use creation to reveal His power?
- What does the response of God-fearing Egyptians (v.20) teach about individual faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Verse 31 describes the plague of hail with fire, targeting Nut (sky goddess) and Seth (storm god). This unprecedented storm combines hail and fire, destroying crops and livestock left in fields. God reveals 'there is none like me in all the earth' (v.14).