THEOSISWlastow G.K.
Variations exist in how the ripening of flax is described. The Slavonic version of the LXX states, "the flax sprouted seed." In contrast, the Sylvester de Sasp translation expresses it as "le lin montait en graine," while the English legal translation indicates, "the flax was boiled," suggesting it transitioned into the stalk, or as noted in the English Comm. Bible, it was in bloom. Osterwald translates it as "le lin montait en tuyan." The timing of this narrative is clarified in verses 31-32; in lower Egypt, flax blossoms towards the end of February, and the harvest occurs in mid-March, coinciding with the ripening of wheat.
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Flavius Josephus remarks significantly that "spring has already begun." Thus, it is reasonable to place the occurrence of the hail at the end of February or the beginning of March, aligning with biblical references. Flax was extensively cultivated in Egypt, particularly in lower Egypt, as it was essential for crafting fine fabrics worn exclusively by Egyptian priests. The region near Tanis (Tsoan) was renowned for its high-quality flax. The term spelt mentioned in verse 32 refers to durra (triticum spelta; Cook).