Historical Context

The narrative of Israel in Egypt, particularly the episode where the Israelites spoil the Egyptians, is a significant event in the biblical account of the Exodus. This event is rooted in the broader account of the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt and their subsequent liberation under the leadership of Moses. The Israelites' sojourn in Egypt began with Joseph, who rose to prominence in Pharaoh's court and brought his family to Egypt during a time of famine (Genesis 41-47). Over time, the Israelites multiplied and became a formidable presence in the land, which led to their enslavement by a new Pharaoh who did not know Joseph (Exodus 1:8-14).

The Plagues and the Exodus

The liberation of the Israelites is marked by a series of divine interventions known as the Ten Plagues, which God inflicted upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release His people. These plagues demonstrated God's power over the Egyptian deities and culminated in the death of the firstborn in Egypt (Exodus 7-12). The final plague, the death of the firstborn, was the catalyst for Pharaoh's decision to let the Israelites go.

Spoiling the Egyptians

The spoiling of the Egyptians is a pivotal moment that occurs just before the Exodus. In Exodus 11:2-3, God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites to ask their Egyptian neighbors for articles of silver and gold. The Berean Standard Bible records this command: "Tell the people that men and women alike are to ask their neighbors for articles of silver and gold." This act of spoiling is further detailed 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

The spoiling of the Egyptians holds deep theological significance. It is seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would leave their place of oppression with great possessions (Genesis 15:14). This event underscores the justice of God, as the wealth of Egypt, accumulated through the Israelites' forced labor, is returned to them. It also highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to provide for His people, even in the midst of their enemies.

Symbolism and Typology

From a symbolic perspective, the spoiling of the Egyptians can be viewed as a typological foreshadowing of the ultimate victory of God's people over their oppressors. It prefigures the spiritual liberation and enrichment that believers receive through Christ, who triumphs over the powers of sin and death. The wealth taken from Egypt can be seen as a representation of the spiritual blessings and inheritance that God bestows upon His people.

Cultural and Historical Impact

The narrative of Israel spoiling the Egyptians has had a lasting impact on Jewish and Christian thought. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His ability to deliver His people from bondage. This event is commemorated annually in the Jewish festival of Passover, which celebrates the Israelites' liberation from Egypt and God's mighty acts of deliverance.

In summary, the spoiling of the Egyptians is a multifaceted event that illustrates God's justice, provision, and sovereignty. It is a testament to His faithfulness to His promises and His power to redeem and bless His people.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:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Refutation of the Jews
... shall take the power of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria ... Did not the nations always
regard Israel with implacable ... Did the idols of Egypt fall down before any ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 6 refutation of the.htm

Refutation of Another Argument Adduced by the Marcionites, that ...
... 4214] and so went away, from which [spoils], too, the ... power rigorously upon the children
of Israel; and they made ... exodus of the people out of Egypt, which took ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxx refutation of another argument.htm

Five Kings in a Cave
... chapter of Joshua and the twenty-first verse, we read, "When I saw among the spoils
a goodly ... When the children of Israel started from Egypt and had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/five kings in a cave.htm

Here Beginneth the Story of Judith
... When they of Egypt had cast them out from them ... Certainly the spoils of the Assyrians
were unnethe gathered and ... in thirty days, of the people of Israel, but all ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the story of.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Exodus, the, of Israel from Egypt, a type ... Faustus, [630]225, [631]232; his virtues;
[632]298; slays the Egyptian, [633]299, [634]309; spoils the Egyptians ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /index of subjects.htm

On the Mission of the Seventy Disciples, and Christ's Charge to ...
... [4419] When the children of Israel went out of Egypt, the Creator brought them forth
laden with their spoils of gold and silver vessels, and with ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xxiv on the mission of.htm

Introduction
... speculation just as we derive from Israel and Canaan the ... of the Babylonian empire,
and when Egypt threw off ... for itself, Canaan was the earliest of its spoils. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/introduction.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... The Ammonites And Victory Over Them And The Spoils He Took ... Him For His Impiety By
Shishak [King Of Egypt]. ... 2. Concerning Ahaziah; The King Of Israel; And Again ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

That the Scriptures are Divinely Inspired.
... Gentiles, and remain as a kind of spoils of His ... undoubtedly which inhabits it, and
is named Israel; so also ... which may seem to be called either Egypt, or Babylon ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter i that the scriptures are.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Gubin is probably the Kupuna, Kupnu, of the Egyptians, the Byblos of Phoenicia.
Amiaud had proposed a most unlikely identification with Koptos in Egypt. ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

What is the significance of Egypt in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What was the meaning and purpose of the ten plagues of Egypt? | GotQuestions.org

How many Israelites left Egypt in the exodus? | GotQuestions.org

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