Exodus 9:31

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

Le lin et l'orge avaient été frappés, parce que l'orge était en épis et que c'était la floraison du lin;

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Exodus describes how the flax and barley crops were struck by a plague in Egypt. The barley was in its early stage of growth, and the flax was also at a vulnerable stage. This was part of the plagues that God sent against Egypt to free the Israelites.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a garden where you grow flowers and vegetables. Now, imagine a storm came and damaged them. This verse is like that, but instead of a storm, God sent a plague to hurt the crops in Egypt, which made the Egyptians realize they needed to let the Israelites go.

Historical Background

This verse was written by Moses around 1446 BC, detailing the plagues of Egypt. The audience was the Israelites, and the cultural setting was one of agricultural dependency, where crops like flax and barley were crucial for daily life and trade.

Living It Out Today

Today, we can think of this verse as a reminder that sometimes we face challenges that seem to damage our efforts or plans. Just as the Egyptians had to let go of their control over the Israelites, we sometimes need to let go of control and trust that God has a plan.

Topics

• plagues
• agriculture
• divine intervention
• Egyptian history
• Israelite freedom
• God's judgment

Related Verses

• Exodus 9:24
• Exodus 9:25
• Exodus 10:15
• Deuteronomy 28:30
• Revelation 16:2

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'smitten' mean in Exodus 9:31?

'Smitten' means to be struck or hit hard, often with a destructive force. In this context, it means the crops were severely affected by a plague.

Why were the flax and barley crops specifically targeted?

These crops were targeted because they were crucial to the Egyptian economy and daily life, making their destruction a significant blow to the Egyptians and a way to demonstrate God's power.

How does this verse fit into the story of the Exodus?

This verse is part of the narrative of the plagues that God sent upon Egypt to persuade Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. It shows the severity and specificity of God's actions.

Can we find similar agricultural plagues in other parts of the Bible?

Yes, other parts of the Bible, such as Revelation, also mention plagues that affect agriculture, showing the theme of divine intervention in natural processes.