Les Feldick Bible Study

Why did the Egyptians hand over their silver, gold, and clothing to the Israelites when they left Egypt?

The Egyptians gave silver, gold, and clothing because the Lord gave Israel favor in their sight, moving them to grant what the Israelites asked. This was not a loan but a divine provision; Israel thereby 'spoiled Egypt,' and God later used those materials for building the tabernacle.

Les explains that after the last plague, the children of Israel did according to Moses' word and asked the Egyptians for jewels of silver, jewels of gold, and raiment. The King James word 'borrowed' is unfortunate because borrowing implies returning, but God never intended that; it was a mistranslation. They were merely to ask the Egyptians for anything with which to send them on their journey. God was instrumental: He gave Israel favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so they gave as required, and Israel spoiled Egypt. Yet God was not merely padding Israel's pockets. By Exodus 25, God will instruct Moses and Aaron to build the tabernacle, and the gold, silver, and precious stones will come from the Israelites, who received them from the Egyptians.

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.