How does Exodus 9:32 demonstrate God's mercy amidst judgment? Setting the scene Exodus 9 records the seventh plague on Egypt—devastating hail mingled with fire (9:22-26). While the storm shattered crops and livestock, verse 32 slips in one brief, hope-filled sentence: “ ‘But the wheat and spelt were spared, because they are late crops.’ ” (Exodus 9:32) Why this small detail matters • Wheat and spelt were Egypt’s staple grains; losing them would have spelled nationwide famine. • Barley and flax—spring crops—had already been ruined (9:31). Wheat and spelt, sown later, were still tender shoots low to the ground, thus untouched by the hailstones. • By preserving these grains, God limited the extent of judgment, ensuring Egypt still had food for the months ahead. Mercy inside the storm • Judgment was deserved (Exodus 5:2; 9:17), yet God “remembers mercy in wrath” (cf. Habakkuk 3:2). • He set boundaries around the plague (Job 38:11 principle): “only in the land of Goshen… there was no hail” (Exodus 9:26), and even within Egypt some crops survived. • The spared wheat provided: – Food for Egyptians who would later bless Israel with articles of silver and gold (Exodus 12:35-36). – Seed for a new planting season—an invitation to repentance rather than annihilation (Romans 2:4). • By leaving a remnant of provision, God showed He “takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked” (Ezekiel 33:11). What this reveals about God’s character • Righteous Judge—He punished Pharaoh’s hardness of heart (Exodus 9:14). • Compassionate Sustainer—He upheld the created order so life could continue (Psalm 145:9). • Covenant-keeper—Preserving Egypt’s food indirectly protected Israel, who still lived in the land (Genesis 47:27). • Patient Redeemer—Mercy provided another opportunity for Pharaoh to humble himself (Exodus 10:3). Echoes throughout Scripture • Noah’s flood: God preserved a remnant (Genesis 8:1). • Sodom: Lot sheltered before fire fell (Genesis 19:16). • Revelation plagues: “do not harm the oil and wine” (Revelation 6:6)—judgment tempered with restraint. • Every instance confirms Lamentations 3:22-23: “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed… great is Your faithfulness”. Takeaways for today • Expect holiness and mercy to operate together; divine love never cancels divine justice. • Look for spared “wheat and spelt” moments—tokens of grace even when consequences fall. • Let His kindness lead to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), remembering that the God who judges also “supplies seed to the sower and bread for food” (2 Corinthians 9:10). Even in the searing hail of judgment, Exodus 9:32 whispers: God always leaves room for grace. |
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