Exodus 12:36

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} gave {H5414} the people {H5971} favour {H2580} in the sight {H5869} of the Egyptians {H4714}, so that they lent {H7592} unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled {H5337} the Egyptians {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and ADONAI had made the Egyptians so favorably disposed toward the people that they had let them have whatever they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians.

American Standard Version

and Jehovah gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. And they despoiled the Egyptians.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 12:36 describes the climactic moment of Israel's departure from Egypt, where the Lord supernaturally influenced the Egyptians to willingly bestow their wealth upon the Israelites. This act, often termed "spoiling the Egyptians," served as divine recompense for centuries of forced labor, a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty over human hearts, and a precise fulfillment of His ancient promises, equipping His people for their journey to freedom and future worship in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of the Exodus narrative's initial phase, immediately following the devastating [Tenth Plague](/exodus/12-29 "The Death of the Firstborn"), which finally broke Pharaoh's stubborn resistance. The death of the firstborn throughout Egypt led to Pharaoh's desperate command for the Israelites to leave immediately, even urging them to depart with a blessing ([Exodus 12:31-33](/exodus/12-31-33 "Pharaoh urges Moses to leave")). The "spoiling" described here is not an isolated event but the fulfillment of a divinely orchestrated plan, previously revealed to Moses in [Exodus 3:21-22](/exodus/3-21-22 "God's promise of favor with Egyptians") and reiterated in [Exodus 11:2-3](/exodus/11-2-3 "Moses' instruction to ask for valuables"), ensuring Israel would not leave empty-handed. Following this act of divine provision and justice, the Israelites set out from Rameses, beginning their journey to the Promised Land ([Exodus 12:37](/exodus/12-37 "Israelites depart from Rameses")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of "spoils" was common in warfare, where the victorious party would take the possessions of the vanquished. However, this event is unique; it is not a military conquest but a divinely orchestrated "exodus" where an enslaved people are enriched by their former oppressors. This act can be understood as divine justice and recompense for over 400 years of brutal slavery and unpaid labor, as prophesied in [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's prophecy of Israel's affliction and deliverance"). The Egyptians' willingness to "lend" or give valuable items was not an act of generosity but a desperate attempt to appease a God they now feared and to hasten the Israelites' departure, indicating a profound shift in power dynamics orchestrated by the Lord, demonstrating His supremacy over the gods of Egypt.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 12:36 contributes significantly to several major theological themes prevalent in the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights God's **sovereignty and omnipotence**, demonstrating His absolute control over human hearts and historical events, even those of powerful nations like Egypt. It powerfully illustrates **divine justice and recompense**, showing God's active intervention to right the wrongs committed against His people, settling a four-century-old debt. Furthermore, it underscores God's **faithfulness to His covenant promises**, specifically the prophecy given to Abraham that his descendants would leave their place of affliction with "great possessions" ([Genesis 15:14](/genesis/15-14 "God's prophecy to Abraham regarding Israel's departure with great substance")). Finally, it speaks to God's **providence and provision**, as the acquired wealth would later be instrumental in the construction of the Tabernacle, equipping His people for worship and their wilderness journey ([Exodus 35:21-24](/exodus/35-21-24 "Israelites use acquired wealth for the Tabernacle")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 12:36 states, "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."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Favour (Hebrew, _chên'_ - H2580):** This Hebrew word denotes grace, charm, or goodwill. In this context, its use emphasizes that the Egyptians' sudden willingness to part with their valuables was not a natural or spontaneous act of generosity but a supernatural influence exerted by God. It signifies divine intervention, turning the hearts of oppressors to exhibit benevolence towards their former slaves, a direct consequence of the terrifying plagues.
* **Lent (Hebrew, _shâʼal'_ - H7592):** While translated "lent" in the KJV, this verb carries a broader semantic range, including "to ask for," "to demand," or "to borrow." Given the desperate context of the Egyptians urging Israel to leave, it implies that the Israelites "asked for" or "demanded" items, and the Egyptians, in their terror and eagerness for Israel's departure, readily gave whatever was requested. This was not a typical loan with an expectation of repayment, but a forced "lending" driven by fear and a desire for relief from divine judgment.
* **Spoiled (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_ - H5337):** This verb can mean "to snatch away," "to deliver," "to rescue," "to strip," or "to plunder." In this context, it implies a legitimate taking of possessions, akin to dispossessing or reclaiming what was rightfully due. It was not illicit theft but a divinely sanctioned act of restitution and deliverance, a "plundering" of their oppressors as an act of justice for centuries of unpaid labor and oppression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians":** This opening clause unequivocally establishes divine agency. It was not Israel's inherent charm or astute negotiation skills, but God's direct, supernatural intervention that softened the Egyptians' hearts. This "favor" was a profound consequence of the terrifying plagues, particularly the death of the firstborn, which instilled overwhelming fear and urgency in the Egyptians, compelling them to cooperate with Israel's requests.
* **"so that they lent unto them [such things as they required]":** This phrase describes the immediate outcome of God's favor. The Egyptians, desperate to see the Israelites depart, were so eager to comply that they readily gave whatever was asked, effectively "lending" or bestowing wealth upon them with no expectation of return. This was a forced "lending" driven by terror and a profound desire for relief from the divine judgments that had ravaged their land.
* **"And they spoiled the Egyptians":** This concluding phrase summarizes the ultimate outcome and divine intent. The Israelites, far from escaping as destitute refugees, left Egypt enriched by their former masters. This act was a direct fulfillment of God's ancient promise to Abraham ([Genesis 15:14](/genesis/15-14 "God's prophecy to Abraham")), serving as a profound form of divine recompense for centuries of forced labor, and a powerful judgment against Egypt for its oppression and defiance of God.

#### Literary Devices
The passage prominently employs **divine passive** ("the LORD gave... favour"), highlighting God's sovereign and active hand in orchestrating the events, rather than attributing the outcome to human effort or chance. There is also a strong sense of **poetic justice** or **irony** at play: the very people who enslaved Israel and grew rich from their forced labor were now stripped of their wealth, which was then given to their former slaves. This reversal of fortunes underscores God's power to humble the proud and exalt the oppressed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 12:36 powerfully illustrates several core theological truths, demonstrating God's character and His interaction with humanity. It reveals God's absolute **sovereignty** over all creation, including the hearts of rulers and nations, showing His ability to bend the will of enemies to serve His divine purposes. This event is a profound demonstration of **divine justice**, where God acts as the righteous judge, settling the account for centuries of oppression and unpaid labor, providing recompense to His people while executing judgment on their oppressors. It also highlights God's unwavering **faithfulness to His promises**, as this act directly fulfills the ancient prophecy given to Abraham, assuring His people that His word will always come to pass. Finally, it showcases God's **providence and provision**, not only delivering His people but also equipping them with the necessary resources for their journey and for the establishment of His worship in the Tabernacle.

* [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Prophecy to Abraham Regarding Israel's Affliction and Deliverance with Great Possessions")
* [Psalm 105:37](/psalms/105-37 "God Brought Israel Out with Silver and Gold")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart is in the Hand of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 12:36 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, working out His purposes with precision and power. This verse assures us of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, no matter how long it takes or how impossible the circumstances may seem. We can rest in the knowledge that His Word will always come to pass, providing a steadfast anchor for our faith. When we witness or experience injustice, this passage reminds us that God sees, hears, and will, in His perfect timing, bring about justice and recompense. We are called to trust His timing and methods, even when they are unexpected or defy human logic. Moreover, it instills confidence in God's provision: even in seemingly dire or impossible situations, God can open doors, turn hearts, and provide for His people in unexpected ways. We are encouraged to trust in His provision, knowing He can use any means to meet our needs and equip us for His service, transforming adversity into triumph for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "spoiling of the Egyptians" challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice and provision in the face of oppression?**
* **Can you identify a time in your life when God provided for you in an unexpected way, perhaps even through challenging circumstances or unlikely sources?**
* **How does the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham in this verse encourage your faith in God's faithfulness to His promises in your own life?**

### FAQ
**Was it ethical for the Israelites to "spoil" the Egyptians? Was it theft?**

Answer: From a biblical perspective, this was not theft but divine recompense and judgment. The Israelites were not sneaking in to steal; they were openly asking for items, and the Egyptians, under divine influence and out of desperation, willingly gave them. For centuries, the Egyptians had exploited Israel's labor without payment, enriching themselves at the Israelites' expense. This act was God's way of settling the account, providing a "just wage" for generations of servitude, and dispossessing their oppressors as a sign of judgment. It was a divinely sanctioned transfer of wealth, not illicit raiding. This is consistent with God's promise to Abraham in [Genesis 15:14](/genesis/15-14 "God's prophecy to Abraham regarding Israel's departure with great substance"), where He declared that Abraham's descendants would come out with "great possessions."

**Why did God command the Israelites to ask for valuables instead of just providing for them miraculously?**

Answer: God often uses natural means in conjunction with supernatural intervention. Commanding them to ask for valuables served multiple purposes: it was a direct fulfillment of His prophecy to Abraham ([Genesis 15:14](/genesis/15-14 "God's prophecy to Abraham")), it demonstrated God's power to humble Egypt and turn the hearts of their oppressors, and it provided the necessary resources (gold, silver, fine linens) that would later be used for the construction of the Tabernacle ([Exodus 35:21-24](/exodus/35-21-24 "Israelites use acquired wealth for the Tabernacle")), equipping His people for worship and their journey. This method emphasized God's sovereignty over human will and resources.

**How could the Egyptians "lend" items if they were being "spoiled"?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _sha'al_ (translated "lent" in KJV) can also mean "to ask for," "to demand," or "to borrow." In this context, it implies that the Israelites "asked for" or "demanded" items, and the Egyptians, in their terror and eagerness to be rid of them, effectively "lent" or gave these items without expectation of return. The act of "spoiling" (_natsal_) describes the outcome: the Israelites stripped the Egyptians of their wealth, legitimately taking it as reparations, even if the initial action was framed as a "request" or "borrowing" from the Egyptian perspective. The Egyptians' "lending" was compelled by divine judgment, making it a forced transfer of wealth that resulted in their being "spoiled."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 12:36, as an integral part of the Exodus narrative, profoundly foreshadows the greater spiritual liberation and abundant provision found in Jesus Christ. Just as God delivered Israel from the physical bondage of Egypt, Jesus delivers humanity from the far more profound bondage of sin, death, and the dominion of darkness. His atoning work on the cross is the ultimate "exodus," freeing us from a slavery that held eternal consequences. The "spoiling of the Egyptians" by Israel powerfully prefigures Christ's decisive victory over the spiritual powers of evil. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus "spoiled" or disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them publicly ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's triumph over spiritual powers")), plundering the kingdom of darkness and setting its captives free. The material wealth given to Israel for their journey and for the construction of the Tabernacle points to the immeasurable spiritual riches and grace bestowed upon believers in Christ. We are not merely freed from bondage but are "blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Spiritual blessings in Christ")), enriched by His sacrifice and equipped for His service and worship as living stones in the "new temple" of the Holy Spirit ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Living stones for a spiritual house")). This new covenant provision transcends gold and silver, providing all that is needed for His people to worship Him "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "Worship in spirit and truth")), through the indwelling Spirit and the transformative power of the gospel.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 15:14

And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

Acts 7:10

And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

Exodus 11:3

And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses [was] very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people.

Genesis 39:21

But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

Daniel 1:9

Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

Psalms 105:37

He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and [there was] not one feeble [person] among their tribes.

Acts 2:47

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.