Les Feldick Bible Study

What did the Israelites ask the Egyptians for when they left Egypt, and what happened as a result?

The Israelites asked the Egyptians for jewels of silver, jewels of gold, and raiment. The Lord gave Israel favor in the Egyptians’ sight, so the Egyptians gave them what they required, and Israel thereby spoiled Egypt. The King James term “borrowed” is a mistranslation; God did not intend these items to be returned.

Les explains that after the death angel passed through Egypt and the firstborn of beast and man were dead, even in Pharaoh’s house, the stage was set. The children of Israel did according to Moses’ word and asked of the Egyptians. The King James word “borrowed” is unfortunate, because borrowing implies giving back, but God never intended that. They were merely to ask the Egyptians for something to send them on their journey. They asked for jewels of silver, jewels of gold, and raiment. God was instrumental: He gave Israel favor in the Egyptians’ sight, so the Egyptians gave them such things as they required, and by doing so Israel spoiled Egypt. Les also notes that God was not merely padding Israel’s pockets; by Exodus 25 the gold, silver, and precious stones would be used to build the tabernacle. Afterward, the children of Israel journeyed from Ramesses to Succoth, six hundred thousand men on foot, besides children and women.

Exodus 12:35

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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More Questions

Why did God have the Israelites take gold and silver from the Egyptians?

God's purpose in having Israel spoil Egypt was not merely to enrich the Israelites, but to supply the gold, silver, and precious stones that He Himself would later use in the building of the tabernacle.

Why did the Egyptians give their wealth to the Israelites?

It was a sovereign God who caused the Egyptians to give of their wealth to Israel, and God had all this provision in mind beforehand.

Why did God let Israel take the wealth of Egypt?

God's purpose in having Israel spoil Egypt was not merely to enrich the Israelites, but to supply what He Himself would use in the building of the tabernacle.