Exodus 12 35

Exodus 12:35 kjv

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:

Exodus 12:35 nkjv

Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing.

Exodus 12:35 niv

The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing.

Exodus 12:35 esv

The people of Israel had also done as Moses told them, for they had asked the Egyptians for silver and gold jewelry and for clothing.

Exodus 12:35 nlt

And the people of Israel did as Moses had instructed; they asked the Egyptians for clothing and articles of silver and gold.

Exodus 12 verses

Exodus 12 35 Meaning

This verse details how the Israelites, in direct obedience to God’s command given through Moses, obtained valuable items—specifically articles of silver, gold, and fine garments—from the Egyptians as they were preparing for their exodus. This acquisition was a divine act of compensation for centuries of forced labor, a display of God’s power over the oppressor, and a fulfillment of His ancient promises to Abraham.

Exodus 12 35 Context

Exodus chapter 12 details the final devastating plague—the death of the firstborn in Egypt—and the institution of the Passover. With this climactic judgment, Pharaoh and all Egypt were finally compelled to release the Israelites. This verse immediately follows the description of the Lord striking all the firstborn, creating an urgent desire among the Egyptians for Israel to depart. Amidst their anguish and terror, the Egyptians eagerly fulfilled Israel’s requests, providing them with valuable possessions. This exchange occurred as a direct outcome of God's judgments upon Egypt and in fulfillment of His long-standing promises to provide for His people. Historically, this marked the end of over 400 years of enslavement, transforming Israel from a people in bondage into an independent nation equipped with significant resources.

Exodus 12 35 Word Analysis

• And the children of Israel (b'nei Yisra'el): Signifies the entire nation, united in action under divine command. This collective identity is crucial to understanding God's covenant with them.
• did according to the word of Moses (va'ya'asu ki'dvar Moshe): Emphasizes direct obedience. Moses served as God's trusted messenger, and adhering to his words was equivalent to obeying God's direct instructions (cf. Ex 3:21-22; Ex 11:2-3). This highlights Moses' authority as a divine agent.
• and they borrowed (vayish'alu): The Hebrew verb is sha'al (שאל). While often translated "borrowed," its primary meaning is "to ask," "to request," or "to demand." In this specific context, where the Israelites were leaving permanently under divine compulsion of the Egyptians, it carries no implication of returning the items. It rather signifies asking for them as a gratuity or a justifiable appropriation. This action, directed by God, represents a transfer of wealth, an act of "spoiling" or despoiling their oppressors, rather than a temporary loan. It challenges the common notion of "borrowing" for return, implying an irreversible transfer.
• of the Egyptians (mim'Mitsrayim): From the very people who had oppressed and enslaved them for generations. This act served as divine judgment and recompense against their former masters.
• jewels of silver (klei chesef): The Hebrew k'lei (כלי) means "articles," "vessels," "implements," or "equipment." So, these were valuable items or utensils made of silver, not just modern "jewelry." Silver was a primary medium of exchange and a significant indicator of wealth.
• and jewels of gold (u'klei zahav): Similarly, valuable articles or implements made of gold. Gold was extremely valuable, reserved for status symbols, divine objects, or wealth.
• and raiment (u'smalot): Clothing or garments. In ancient cultures, clothing was very valuable. People often had only a few sets of clothes, making even basic garments a significant possession, let alone fine raiment. Acquiring garments also signified their new status and preparedness for the journey, as their slave rags were unsuitable.

Words-group analysis:

• "did according to the word of Moses": This phrase underlines the Israelites' obedience to God's precise instructions mediated through Moses. Their faithful adherence was foundational to God's subsequent provision and blessing. This was not their own initiative, but a divinely commanded act, signifying God’s sovereign control over events.
• "borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment": This description details the specific outcome of their obedience. The acquiring of these precious materials—silver, gold, and fine clothing—was a fulfillment of God's promise to Israel (Gen 15:14; Ex 3:22), and it functioned as both divine compensation for their 400 years of harsh labor and a public display of God’s absolute victory and judgment over Egypt and its gods. This act was divinely justified; it was not theft, but divinely orchestrated remuneration and a demonstration that the wealth of the wicked can, by God's decree, be transferred to the righteous. This provision was essential for their long journey and future sacred purposes (like the Tabernacle). The Egyptians' willingness to part with such valuable assets out of terror underscored the effectiveness of God's plagues and His overwhelming power.

Exodus 12 35 Bonus section

• The immense quantity of silver, gold, and raiment acquired was far more than personal adornment. Given the multitude of Israelites (600,000 men plus women and children, Ex 12:37), the collective wealth would have been substantial, underpinning their immediate needs in the desert and providing resources for future national endeavors.
• This transfer of wealth demonstrated that God controls not only the lives of people and natural phenomena, but also the economic resources and possessions of nations, highlighting His ultimate sovereignty over all creation.
• This act can be seen as a prophetic type or foreshadowing of future wealth transfers described in scripture (e.g., Isa 60:5-16), where the nations' riches will come to God's people for His purposes. It assures believers that God has ways of supplying resources for His work, even from seemingly unlikely sources.

Exodus 12 35 Commentary

Exodus 12:35 illustrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His justice in liberating His people. By commanding Israel to "ask" for precious items from their former taskmasters, God ensured a transfer of wealth that served multiple divine purposes. This was direct compensation for over four centuries of brutal, unpaid servitude, proving God is a God of justice who hears the cries of the oppressed. It was not mere plunder, but divinely ordained remuneration, establishing a pattern of divine favor upon His chosen people, even at the expense of their enemies.

Furthermore, this act served as a visible testament to God's absolute power and victory over the gods of Egypt, revealing His supremacy over all human and spiritual forces. The very wealth used by the Egyptians to exalt themselves or their deities was now stripped from them by the true God of Israel, humbling them completely. Importantly, this accumulated silver, gold, and fine linen would later be consecrated and used for the construction of the Tabernacle in the wilderness (Ex 35), demonstrating that even the material spoils acquired from worldly sources could be transformed into sacred offerings for God's glory. This teaches us that God can provide for His people, even through unexpected means, and can redeem material things for His divine purposes, ensuring His children have all they need to serve Him effectively.