Exodus 11:2

Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.

Speak {H1696} now in the ears {H241} of the people {H5971}, and let every man {H376} borrow {H7592} of his neighbour {H7453}, and every woman {H802} of her neighbour {H7468}, jewels {H3627} of silver {H3701}, and jewels {H3627} of gold {H2091}.

Now tell the people that every man is to ask his neighbor and every woman her neighbor for gold and silver jewelry."

Now announce to the people that men and women alike should ask their neighbors for articles of silver and gold.”

Speak now in the ears of the people, and let them ask every man of his neighbor, and every woman of her neighbor, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.

Commentary

Exodus 11:2 delivers a specific divine instruction to Moses, given just before the climactic tenth plague, the death of the firstborn. This verse outlines God's command for the Israelites to acquire valuables from their Egyptian neighbors as they prepare for their imminent departure from centuries of bondage.

Context

This command is part of God's meticulous plan for the Exodus from Egypt. Following a series of devastating plagues that have crippled Egypt and broken Pharaoh's resistance, God instructs the Israelites to "speak now in the ears of the people." This instruction is a direct fulfillment of God's earlier promise to Moses in Exodus 3:21-22, where He stated that the women would "borrow" (or ask for) articles of silver, gold, and raiment from their neighbors, thereby "spoiling the Egyptians." This also echoes God's ancient prophecy to Abraham in Genesis 15:13-14 that his descendants would come out of their affliction with "great substance."

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Justice: This command is a powerful demonstration of God's justice. After over 400 years of forced labor and oppression, the Israelites were not to leave empty-handed. This act served as a form of divine compensation and restitution for their unpaid servitude, ensuring they would embark on their journey with resources.
  • Spoiling the Egyptians: The transfer of wealth from the Egyptians to the Israelites was a deliberate act of judgment against Egypt and a reversal of fortunes. The very people who had enslaved Israel were now compelled by God's hand to enrich them, highlighting God's sovereignty over nations and their wealth.
  • Preparation for the Journey: The "jewels of silver, and jewels of gold" would serve practical purposes for the long journey through the wilderness. These valuables would later contribute significantly to the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, demonstrating God's foresight in providing for His people's spiritual and physical needs.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the word "borrow," which can be misleading in modern English, implying an intent to return. However, the Hebrew word for "borrow" here is sha'al (שָׁאַל), which more accurately means "to ask," "to demand," or "to request." Given the context of the plagues and the Egyptians' desperate desire for the Israelites to leave (as seen in Exodus 12:33), the Israelites were not asking for a loan but effectively demanding and receiving payment for their forced labor. The Egyptians, eager to be rid of them, readily complied, making this a divinely sanctioned act of acquiring wealth rather than a temporary loan.

Practical Application

Exodus 11:2 reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises and His deep concern for His people, particularly those who are oppressed. It teaches that God is just and will ultimately bring recompense for wrongs endured. Even in the midst of great deliverance, God meticulously provides for the practical needs of His children, equipping them for the journey ahead. This verse encourages believers to trust in God's comprehensive provision and His ultimate justice in all circumstances, knowing that He orchestrates even the details of their lives and their deliverance.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 3:22

    But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put [them] upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil 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:

  • Exodus 12:36

    And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them [such things as they required]. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

  • Matthew 20:15

    Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

  • Proverbs 13:22

    ΒΆ A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just.

  • Haggai 2:8

    The silver [is] mine, and the gold [is] mine, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Psalms 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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