What does "plunder the Egyptians" reveal about God's justice and favor towards Israel? Where the phrase appears “And I will cause the Egyptians to look favorably on this people, so that when you leave, you will not go away empty-handed. Every woman is to ask her neighbor and any woman staying in her house for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing, which you will put on your sons and daughters. So you will plunder the Egyptians.” Exodus 11:2-3; 12:35-36 repeat the command and record its fulfillment: “The LORD made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they requested; so they plundered the Egyptians.” (12:36) Justice—setting the record straight • Four centuries of slavery (Exodus 1:13-14) meant Israel labored without wages. The silver, gold, and garments are back wages—literal compensation for years of oppression. • Genesis 15:14 had foretold this precise outcome: “I will judge the nation they serve, and afterward they will depart with great possessions.” God’s promise is specific and measurable; He pays what is due. • Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” The wealth of Egypt was never truly Pharaoh’s; God simply re-assigns His own resources to right a wrong. • Justice here is not revenge but restitution. Israel leaves, and Egypt is left impoverished—the appropriate consequence for stubbornly refusing God’s warnings. Favor—lavish provision for a fresh start • The same act that judges Egypt blesses Israel. “You will not go away empty-handed” (Exodus 3:21) is God’s personal guarantee of favor. • The items received later fund the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:1-8). Israel’s first corporate act of worship is financed by God’s gift, underscoring that divine favor always aims at deeper fellowship. • Deuteronomy 15:13-15 echoes the principle: a freed servant should be sent away “with plenty,” because the LORD did the same for Israel. Their experience becomes a model of gracious generosity. • God moves Egyptian hearts. Exodus 12:36 emphasizes that favor is supernatural, not manipulative bargaining. “The LORD made the Egyptians favorably disposed.” His people merely ask; He turns hearts (Proverbs 21:1). Promises kept—God’s Word proved reliable 1. Spoken to Abram (Genesis 15:14). 2. Repeated to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:21-22). 3. Announced to the elders (Exodus 4:29-31). 4. Carried out on the night of redemption (Exodus 12:35-36). Every step shows the absolute reliability of God’s Word. What He says, He does—down to the last bracelet and cloak. Sovereignty on display • Egypt’s gods were thought to control wealth; Yahweh overrides them. • Pharaoh’s power seems absolute, yet he ends up subsidizing Israel’s exit. The contrast magnifies God’s supremacy. • The verb “plunder” (Hebrew natzal) often describes victorious armies stripping the defeated (1 Samuel 30:22). Without lifting a sword, Israel enjoys the spoils because the LORD fights for them. Foreshadowing a greater redemption • Just as Israel leaves slavery with treasures, believers in Christ leave bondage to sin with “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:3). • Colossians 2:15 says Christ “disarmed the rulers and authorities,” a spiritual counterpart to plundering. The Exodus event previews the cross, where the enemy is defeated and God’s people gain eternal riches. Takeaways for today • God sees injustice and will balance the scales in His timing. • His favor equips His people for worship and witness, not self-indulgence. • Trust the literal promises of Scripture; delay is not denial. • The same act that judges the oppressor delivers the oppressed—one event, two outcomes, all under God’s righteous hand. |
    |