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Commentary on Exodus 12 verses 29–36
Here we have, I. The Egyptians' sons, even their first-born, slain, Exo 12:29, Exo 12:30. If Pharaoh would have taken the warning which was given him of this plague, and would thereupon have released Israel, what a great many dear and valuable lives might have been preserved! But see what obstinate infidelity brings upon men. Observe, 1. The time when this blow was given: It was at midnight, which added to the terror of it. The three preceding nights were made dreadful by the additional plague of darkness, which might be felt, and doubtless disturbed their repose; and now, when they hoped for one quiet night's rest, at midnight was the alarm given. When the destroying angel drew his sword against Jerusalem, it was in the day-time (Sa2 24:15), which made it the less frightful; but the destruction of Egypt was by a pestilence walking in darkness, Psa 91:6. Shortly there will be an alarming cry at midnight, Behold, the bridegroom cometh. 2. On whom the plague fastened - on their first-born, the joy and hope of their respective families. They had slain the Hebrews' children, and now God slew theirs. Thus he visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children; and he is not unrighteous who taketh vengeance. 3. How far it reached - from the throne to the dungeon. Prince and peasant stand upon the same level before God's judgments, for there is no respect of persons with him; see Job 34:29, Job 34:20. Now the slain of the Lord were many; multitudes, multitudes, fall in this valley of decision, when the controversy between God and Pharaoh was to be determined. 4. What an outcry was made upon it: There was a great cry in Egypt, universal lamentation for their only son (with many), and with all for their first-born. If any be suddenly taken ill in the night, we are wont to call up neighbours; but the Egyptians could have no help, no comfort, from their neighbours, all being involved in the same calamity. Let us learn hence, (1.) To tremble before God, and to be afraid of his judgments, Psa 119:120. Who is able to stand before him, or dares resist him? (2.) To be thankful to God for the daily preservation of ourselves and our families: lying so much exposed, we have reason to say, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed."
II. God's sons, even his first-born, released; this judgment conquered Pharaoh, and obliged him to surrender at discretion, without capitulating. Men had better come up to God's terms at first, for he will never come down to theirs, let them object as long as they will. Now Pharaoh's pride is abased, and he yields to all that Moses had insisted on: Serve the Lord as you have said (Exo 12:31), and take your flocks as you have said, Exo 12:32. Note, God's word will stand, and we shall get nothing by disputing it, or delaying to submit to it. Hitherto the Israelites were not permitted to depart, but now things had come to the last extremity, in consequence of which, 1. They are commanded to depart: Rise up, and get you forth, Exo 12:31. Pharaoh had told Moses he should see his face no more; but now he sent for him. Those will seek God early in their distress who before had set him at defiance. Such a fright he was now in that he gave orders by night for their discharge, fearing lest, if he delayed any longer, he himself should fall next; and that he sent them out, not as men hated (as the pagan historians have represented this matter), but as men feared, is plainly discovered by his humble request to them (Exo 12:32): "Bless me also; let me have your prayers, that I may not be plagued for what is past, when you are gone." Note, Those that are enemies to God's church are enemies to themselves, and, sooner or later, they will be made to see it. 2. They are hired to depart by the Egyptians; they cried out (Exo 12:33), We be all dead men. Note, When death comes into our houses, it is seasonable for us to think of our own mortality. Are our relations dead? It is easy to infer thence that we are dying, and, in effect, already dead men. Upon this consideration they were urgent with the Israelites to be gone, which gave great advantage to the Israelites in borrowing their jewels, Exo 12:35, Exo 12:36. When the Egyptians urged them to be gone, it was easy for the to say that the Egyptians had kept them poor, that they could not undertake such a journey with empty purses, but, that, if they would give them wherewithal to bear their charges, they would be gone. And this the divine Providence designed in suffering things to come to this extremity, that they, becoming formidable to the Egyptians, might have what they would, for asking; the Lord also, by the influence he has on the minds of people, inclined the hearts of the Egyptians to furnish them with what they desired, they probably intending thereby to make atonement, that the plagues might be stayed, as the Philistines, when they returned the ark, sent a present with it for a trespass-offering, having an eye to this precedent, Sa1 6:3, Sa1 6:6. The Israelites might receive and keep what they thus borrowed, or rather required, of the Egyptians, (1.) As justly as servants receive wages from their masters for work done, and sue for it if it be detained. (2.) As justly as conquerors take the spoils of their enemies whom they have subdued; Pharaoh was in rebellion against the God of the Hebrews, by which all that he had was forfeited. (3.) As justly as subjects receive the estates granted to them by their prince. God is the sovereign proprietor of the earth, and the fulness thereof; and, if he take from one and give to another, who may say unto him, What doest thou? It was by God's special order and appointment that the Israelites did what they did, which was sufficient to justify them, and bear them out; but what they did will by no means authorize others (who cannot pretend to any such warrant) to do the same. Let us remember, [1.] That the King of kings can do no wrong. [2.] That he will do right to those whom men injure, Psa 146:7. Hence it is that the wealth of the sinner often proves to be laid up for the just, Pro 13:22; Job 27:16, Job 27:17.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 12:35 details the Israelites' obedience to Moses' instruction, given by God, to request valuables from the Egyptians just before their departure, resulting in them acquiring significant "jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment." This act, often misunderstood as mere "borrowing," was a divinely orchestrated transfer of wealth, serving as a just recompense for centuries of forced labor and a fulfillment of God's ancient promise to Abraham, demonstrating God's faithfulness, justice, and provision for His people.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The narrative employs a profound sense of divine irony and reversal. For centuries, the Egyptians had oppressed and exploited the Israelites, forcing them into labor without pay and robbing them of their dignity and freedom. Now, in a dramatic and divinely orchestrated turn of events, God compels the oppressors to willingly give their accumulated wealth to their former slaves. This is a powerful demonstration of God "spoiling" the spoilers, turning the tables on the powerful and exalting the humble, showcasing His ultimate control over human affairs and His commitment to justice.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 12:35 is rich with profound theological truths, serving as a powerful demonstration of God's active involvement in human history. This divinely orchestrated transfer of wealth underscores God's Justice and Retribution, providing a righteous recompense for over four centuries of brutal slavery, suffering, and unpaid labor endured by the Israelites. It vividly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to vindicating His oppressed people and righting grave wrongs. Furthermore, the event highlights God's Unfailing Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises, directly fulfilling the ancient prophecy given to Abraham that his descendants would depart from their affliction with "great substance." This passage also speaks to Divine Provision, as God not only liberates His people but also equips them with resources for their journey into the wilderness, foresightfully providing for their immediate needs and for the future construction of the Tabernacle. Finally, it powerfully showcases God's Absolute Sovereignty Over Nations, revealing His capacity to manipulate the hearts and circumstances of even the most powerful oppressors to accomplish His redemptive purposes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 12:35 offers enduring lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is actively involved in history, seeing the injustices of the world and working to bring about His perfect justice, often in unexpected and powerful ways. When we face periods of hardship, oppression, or unrewarded labor, this passage assures us that God remembers His people and will ultimately provide and vindicate them. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of obedience to God's word, even when His commands seem unusual or counter-intuitive, as the Israelites' faithful adherence to Moses' instruction directly led to their empowerment and enrichment. Trusting God's instructions can unlock remarkable outcomes and demonstrate His faithfulness in our lives, reminding us that His timing and methods are always perfect.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Did the Israelites steal from the Egyptians?
Answer: No, the text does not describe this as stealing. The Hebrew word shâʼal, often translated "borrowed," means "to ask" or "to demand." Given the context of the plagues and the Egyptians' desperate desire for the Israelites to leave, the Egyptians willingly gave their valuables. This was a divinely sanctioned transfer of wealth, a form of reparations for centuries of unpaid labor and oppression, rather than an act of theft or a temporary loan with an expectation of return.
Why did God command the Israelites to take the Egyptians' wealth?
Answer: God commanded this for several reasons. Primarily, it was an act of divine justice, compensating the Israelites for over 400 years of brutal slavery and unpaid labor (Exodus 1:11). Secondly, it was the fulfillment of a specific prophecy God had given to Abraham centuries earlier, promising that his descendants would leave Egypt with "great substance" (Genesis 15:14). Finally, this wealth was also part of God's provision for His people in the wilderness, with a significant portion later being used for the construction of the Tabernacle, the dwelling place for God's presence among them (Exodus 35:22).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 12:35, though an Old Testament historical event, powerfully prefigures the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the spiritual realities of the New Covenant. Just as God liberated Israel from physical slavery and enriched them with the spoils of their oppressors, Jesus Christ liberates humanity from spiritual slavery to sin, death, and the dominion of Satan (Romans 6:6). Through His victorious death and resurrection, Christ decisively "spoiled" the principalities and powers, triumphing over them and disarming them of their authority (Colossians 2:15). Moreover, the material wealth acquired by Israel was ultimately consecrated for the building of the Tabernacle, a sacred space for God's presence among His people. This foreshadows the infinitely greater spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ—"spiritual blessings in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:3)—an endowment far more precious and enduring than silver or gold. These spiritual riches empower believers to be built up as a "spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:5), a living temple where the Holy Spirit dwells, thereby fulfilling the ultimate purpose of the Tabernacle: God's intimate presence among His redeemed people. Thus, Christ not only delivers us from our spiritual oppressors but also richly provides us with all we need to be His dwelling place and to serve Him in the new creation.