Topical Bible: Israel: Borrowed Jewels from the Egyptians

◄ Israel: Borrowed Jewels from the Egyptians ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The event of the Israelites borrowing jewels from the Egyptians is a significant moment in the narrative of the Exodus, illustrating God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises to the descendants of Abraham. This event is primarily recorded in the book of Exodus, where it is described as part of the preparations for the Israelites' departure from Egypt.

Biblical Account

The account begins with God's instructions to Moses, as recorded in Exodus 3:21-22 : "And I will grant this people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians 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 clothing, which you will put on your sons and daughters. So you will plunder the Egyptians."

This directive is reiterated in Exodus 11:2-3 , where God commands Moses: "Tell the people that men and women alike are to ask their neighbors for articles of silver and gold." The passage notes that the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, and Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt.

The fulfillment of this command is recorded in Exodus 12:35-36 : "Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians."

Theological Significance

This event is rich with theological implications. It demonstrates God's sovereignty and His ability to fulfill His promises, even in seemingly impossible circumstances. The Israelites' acquisition of wealth from the Egyptians can be seen as a form of divine justice, compensating for the years of slavery and oppression they endured.

The act of "plundering" the Egyptians without force or violence underscores the theme of God's provision and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. It also serves as a prelude to the construction of the Tabernacle, as the materials obtained would later be used for its building and furnishing, as described in Exodus 25-40.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the act of borrowing or requesting valuables from neighbors was not uncommon, especially in times of significant transition or upheaval. However, the scale and success of the Israelites' request highlight the extraordinary nature of this event, attributed to divine intervention.

The term "plunder" in this context is significant. While it typically implies taking goods by force, the Israelites' acquisition was marked by the Egyptians' willing compliance, influenced by the fear and respect engendered by the plagues and the evident power of the God of Israel.

Interpretative Challenges

Some scholars have debated the ethical implications of this event, questioning the morality of the Israelites' actions. However, from a conservative Christian perspective, this event is viewed as a divinely orchestrated act of justice and reparation for the years of forced labor and suffering endured by the Israelites.

Conclusion

The borrowing of jewels from the Egyptians is a pivotal moment in the Exodus narrative, symbolizing God's faithfulness and the beginning of Israel's journey to the Promised Land. It serves as a testament to God's ability to provide for His people and to fulfill His promises in ways that surpass human understanding.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 11:2,3
Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbor, and every woman of her neighbor, jewels of silver and jewels of gold.
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Exodus 12:35,36
And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:
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Psalm 105:37
He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.
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Library

The Exodus
... But, moreover, the word "borrowed" here is by the best translators ... mean nothing more
than that the children of Israel asked them for their jewels, and had ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the exodus.htm

The Warrant of Faith
... command to do it? The children of Israel borrowed jewels of silver and
jewels of gold from the Egyptians. Many, as they read the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the warrant of faith.htm

A Stanza of Deliverance
... more accurately, "And the children of Israel did according ... the Egyptians jewels of
silver and jewels of Gold ... were forced to read the word "borrowed", it might ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/a stanza of deliverance.htm

Christ Our Passover
... We can picture the anxieties and the anticipations of Israel, but we can scarcely
sympathize with them ... We are not for the jewels that you have borrowed. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/christ our passover.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... and small game was so strongly implanted in the minds of the Egyptians, that their ...
We may well ask if they had also borrowed the cuneiform syllabary for the ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... people from whom the plan was borrowed had no ... Memphis to Carchemish, and for the
Egyptians this town ... prevailing tradition in the kingdom of Israel, the latter ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Letter cxxx. To Demetrias.
... thee," [3668] for "there is no grief in Jacob neither is there travail in Israel."
[3669] When ... 3771] Let the jewels on your ... 3756] A phrase borrowed from Cicero ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxx to demetrias.htm

The Memphite Empire
... houses, and they say that the children of Israel built them ... Kheops is the usual form,
borrowed from the ... and the mummy of Kheops loaded with jewels and arms ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... the fashion among the Assyrians and Egyptians, either temples ... name that the festival
was borrowed from the ... was unpretentious, they wore no jewels, and observed ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... in detail the whole equipment of jewels, paint, and ... to associate with Him other gods
borrowed from neighbouring ... religious life in Judah no less than in Israel. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm