Exodus 11:2
Now announce to the people that men and women alike should ask their neighbors for articles of silver and gold."
Now announce to the people

God directed Moses to prepare Israel for the moment of deliverance. Moses served as God’s appointed spokesman, receiving the divine command and conveying it faithfully to the nation. The instruction came immediately before the death of Egypt’s firstborn, the final judgment that would compel Pharaoh to release Israel.

Exo 12:21 Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel…
Exo 3:21 And I will grant this people such favor…

that men and women alike

Every Israelite household shared in God’s provision and departure from Egypt. Men and women were both to participate, showing that the coming Exodus involved the whole covenant people rather than only its leaders or heads of households.

Exo 35:22 So all who had willing hearts, both men and women…
Exo 35:29 So all the men and women of the Israelites…

should ask their neighbors

The Egyptians who had benefited from Israel’s forced labor were now to give valuables to the departing slaves. God had already promised Abraham that his descendants would leave their oppression with great possessions (Genesis 15:14). Israel did not plunder Egypt by violence; the Lord moved the Egyptians to give willingly, providing recompense for generations of unpaid labor.

Exo 3:22 Every woman shall ask her neighbor and any woman staying…
Exo 12:35 Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word…

for articles of silver and gold.”

These valuable possessions displayed God’s justice and His power over Egypt. They also supplied materials later offered for the tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus 25:1–8; 35:20–29). The wealth of Egypt would thus be set apart for the worship of the God who redeemed His people.

1Ch 29:2 Now with all my ability I have made provision…
1Ch 29:3 Moreover, because of my delight in the house of my God…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He is the one who conveys God's instructions to the Israelites.

2. The Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, who are enslaved in Egypt and are about to be delivered by God's mighty hand.

3. The Egyptians
The people of Egypt, who have enslaved the Israelites. They are about to experience the final plague, which will lead to the Israelites' release.

4. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened against letting the Israelites go, leading to the series of plagues.

5. The Exodus
The event of the Israelites' departure from Egypt, marking a significant moment of deliverance and fulfillment of God's promises.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness to His Promises
God had promised Abraham that his descendants would leave their place of bondage with great wealth. This verse shows the fulfillment of that promise, demonstrating God's faithfulness.

Divine Favor
The Israelites found favor in the eyes of the Egyptians, which was orchestrated by God. This teaches us that God can change hearts and situations to fulfill His purposes.

Preparation for the Journey
The request for silver and gold was not just for wealth but for the resources needed for the journey and future worship. We should seek God's provision for our spiritual journey.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The Israelites were instructed to ask for these items. Their obedience was crucial in receiving God's provision. We must be attentive and obedient to God's guidance in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Exodus 11:2 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises made to Abraham in Genesis 15:14?

2. In what ways can we see God's hand in changing the hearts of the Egyptians to favor the Israelites? How does this encourage us in our own situations?

3. What significance do the articles of silver and gold have for the Israelites' journey and future worship? How can we apply this understanding to our spiritual preparations?

4. How does the obedience of the Israelites in asking for these items reflect their trust in God's plan? What areas of our lives require similar trust and obedience?

5. Can you identify other instances in the Bible where God provided for His people in unexpected ways? How do these accounts strengthen your faith in God's provision?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 15:14
God promises Abram that his descendants will leave their place of bondage with great possessions, which is fulfilled in Exodus 11:2.

Exodus 3:21-22
God tells Moses that He will grant the Israelites favor in the sight of the Egyptians, and they will not leave empty-handed.

Psalm 105:37
This verse reflects on the Exodus, noting that God brought the Israelites out with silver and gold.
The Beginning of the EndJ. Orr Exodus 11:1-4
People
Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh
Places
Egypt
Topics
Alike, Articles, Borrow, Ears, Gold, Hearing, Jewelry, Jewels, Neighbor, Neighbors, Neighbour, Orders, Ornaments, Silver, Speak, Utensils, Vessels
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 11:2

     4333   gold

Exodus 11:2-3

     5233   borrowing

Library
A Last Merciful Warning
'And the Lord said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether. 2. Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold. 3. And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Separating the Precious from the Vile
Now, in your ears this day, Egypt and Israel are declared to be types of two people who dwell upon the face of the earth,--the men that fear the Lord and the men that fear him not. The Egyptians are the pictures of those who are dead in trespasses and sins, enemies to God by wicked works, and aliens from the commonwealth of Israel. The Israelites, God's ancient people, are set before us as the representatives of those who have through grace believed in Christ, who fear God and who seek to keep his
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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