How does Exodus 3:22 align with the commandment against stealing? Text of Exodus 3:22 “But every woman shall ask from her neighbor and from the woman staying in her house articles of silver and gold, and clothing, which you will put on your sons and daughters. So you will plunder the Egyptians.” Immediate Literary Context The instruction is restated in Exodus 11:2 and fulfilled in 12:35-36, where “the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted their request; thus they plundered the Egyptians.” The repeated verb “ask” (Hebrew shaʾal) frames the action as a petition, not covert appropriation. Historical Background: Four Centuries of Unpaid Bond-Service Genesis 15:13-14 had predicted that Israel would be enslaved but would “come out with great possessions.” The silver, gold, and garments function as overdue compensation for generations of forced labor—an ancient equivalent to back wages. Deuteronomy 15:12-14, a later Mosaic statute, codifies the principle: a released servant is to be furnished liberally by the former master. Divine Justice, Not Human Larceny Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” As sovereign Owner, God may re-assign property. When He commands Egypt to relinquish wealth as recompense, the act is one of restorative justice, not moral violation. The eighth commandment forbids unlawful taking between equals; here the lawful divine Judge mandates restitution from oppressor to oppressed. Voluntary Egyptian Compliance Exodus 12:33 records that “the Egyptians urged the people to hurry and leave the land.” Fear of further plagues (Exodus 10:7; 11:1) led to eager generosity. The Septuagint renders 3:22’s final phrase as exeklepsan—“they stripped”—reflecting outcome, not method; the means remained consensual. Legal Precedent in the Ancient Near East The Code of Hammurabi §117 prescribes goods granted when a slave is released. Similarly, the Middle Assyrian Laws authorize compensation for forced labor. Yahweh’s directive conforms to known legal custom, amplifying it with divine authority. Sequence of Revelation and the Moral Law Although the Decalogue (Exodus 20) is delivered later, the moral principle against theft is timeless (Genesis 31:30). The fact that God Himself ordains the transfer is decisive; God cannot contradict His nature. Hence, Exodus 3:22 and Exodus 20:15 are harmonious. Archaeological and Extra-Biblical Corroboration • Papyrus Anastasi VI (lines 51-61) describes Semitic workers receiving gold and silver from Egyptians upon departure, paralleling the biblical motif. • The Ipuwer Papyrus (2:10; 3:3) laments, “Gold is despoiled; the storehouse is empty,” matching a sudden wealth loss in Egypt’s elite class. While controversial, these texts illustrate an Egyptian memory of abrupt plundering consistent with Exodus. Theological Themes Fulfilled a) Covenant Faithfulness—God keeps His promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:14). b) Redemption Pattern—Israel exits slavery “paid in full,” prefiguring Christ’s redemption that cancels sin’s debt (Colossians 2:14). c) Worship Provision—The acquired metals furnish the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:3), demonstrating God’s supply for His worship from the spoils of oppression. New Testament Echoes Luke 19:31 records Jesus telling disciples, “If anyone asks why you are untying it, say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” Divine requisition of property for redemptive purpose stands unchallenged in the Gospels, mirroring the Exodus precedent. Common Objections Answered Objection 1: “Plunder implies theft.” Reply: The Hebrew idiom means the result, not the illegality. Context shows voluntary bestowal (Exodus 12:36). Objection 2: “Moral law should forbid any taking.” Reply: Moral law condemns human-initiated theft, not divinely ordered restitution. The Owner of all property (Haggai 2:8) cannot steal from Himself. Practical Implications for Today Believers may trust God’s justice to rectify wrongs without personal vengeance (Romans 12:19). The episode encourages ethical restitution when injustice occurs and models God’s provision for worship and mission. Key Verses for Further Study Genesis 15:14; Exodus 11:2; 12:35-36; Deuteronomy 15:13-14; Psalm 24:1; Haggai 2:8; Romans 12:19. |
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