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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 3:16–22.
Moses is here more particularly instructed in his work, and informed beforehand of his success. 1. He must deal with the elders of Israel, and raise their expectation of a speedy removal to Canaan, Exo 3:16, Exo 3:17. He must repeat to them what God had said to him, as a faithful ambassador. Note, That which ministers have received of the Lord they must deliver to his people, and keep back nothing that is profitable. Lay an emphasis on that, Exo 3:17 : "I have said, I will bring you up; that is enough to satisfy them, I have said it:" hath he spoken, and will he not make it good? With us saying and doing are two things, but they are not so with God, for he is in one mind and who can turn him? "I have said it, and all the world cannot gainsay it. My counsel shall stand." His success with the elders of Israel would be good; so he is told (Exo 3:18): They shall hearken to thy voice, and not thrust thee away as they did forty years ago. He who, by his grace, inclines the heart, and opens the ear, could say beforehand, They shall hearken to thy voice, having determined to make them willing in this day of power. 2. He must deal with the king of Egypt (Exo 3:18), he and the elders of Israel, and in this they must not begin with a demand, but with a humble petition; that gentle and submissive method must be first tried, even with one who, it was certain, would not be wrought upon by it: We beseech thee, let us go. Moreover, they must only beg leave of Pharaoh to go as far as Mount Sinai to worship God, and say nothing to him of going quite away to Canaan; the latter would have been immediately rejected, but the former was a very modest and reasonable request, and his denying it was utterly inexcusable and justified them in the total deserting of his kingdom. If he would not give them leave to go and sacrifice at Sinai, justly did they go without leave to settle in Canaan. Note, The calls and commands which God sends to sinners are so highly reasonable in themselves, and delivered to them in such a gentle winning way, that the mouth of the disobedient must needs be for ever stopped. As to his success with Pharaoh, Moses is here told, (1.) That petitions, and persuasions, and humble remonstrances, would not prevail with him, no, nor a mighty hand stretched out in signs and wonders: I am sure he will not let you go, Exo 3:19. Note, God sends his messengers to those whose hardness and obstinacy he certainly knows and foresees, that it may appear he would have them turn and live. (2.) That plagues should compel him to it: I will smite Egypt, and then he will let you go, Exo 3:20. Note, Those will certainly be broken by the power of God's hand that will not bow to the power of his word; we may be sure that when God judges he will overcome. (3.) That his people should be more kind to them, and furnish them at their departure with abundance of plate and jewels, to their great enriching: I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, Exo 3:21, Exo 3:22. Note, [1.] God sometimes makes the enemies of his people, not only to be at peace with them, but to be kind to them. [2.] God has many ways of balancing accounts between the injured and the injurious, of righting the oppressed, and compelling those that have done wrong to make restitution; for he sits in the throne judging right.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
He said to Moses, “Go and speak to Pharaoh, that he may let my people go, but I know that he will not let them go.…” He manifests his divinity by foreseeing what is to happen and also his love for man by offering to the free will of man an opportunity to repent.
The Egyptians put in a claim on the Hebrews for these gold and silver vessels. The Hebrews assert a counterclaim, alleging that by the bond of their respective fathers, attested by the written engagement of both parties, there were due to them the arrears of that laborious slavery of theirs for the bricks they had so painfully made and the cities and palaces which they had built.
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Summary
Exodus 3:21 unveils a profound divine promise from God to Moses, assuring that the Israelites will not depart from their Egyptian bondage empty-handed. This declaration signifies God's sovereign intent to supernaturally incline the hearts of the Egyptians to bestow favor and valuable possessions upon His people, serving as both a just recompense for centuries of forced labor and a powerful demonstration of His faithfulness to ancient covenant promises, ensuring Israel's departure is marked by dignity and abundance.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 3 marks a pivotal moment in salvation history: God's self-revelation to Moses at the burning bush and the commissioning of Moses to deliver Israel. This verse is nestled within God's detailed instructions and assurances to Moses regarding the impending Exodus. Following God's declaration of His covenant name, “I AM THAT I AM”, and His compassionate affirmation that He has "surely seen the affliction of my people" (Exodus 3:7), this promise of favor and provision directly addresses the practical realities of Israel's departure. It is a specific, tangible aspect of the larger divine plan for liberation, immediately preceding God's instruction for Moses to gather the elders of Israel and declare His intention to bring them out of Egypt into a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:16-17). This promise sets the stage for the dramatic events of the plagues and the eventual "spoiling" of Egypt, culminating in the triumphant departure described later in the book.
Historical & Cultural Context
For over 400 years, the Israelites had endured brutal slavery under the Egyptians, forced to build cities like Pithom and Raamses (Exodus 1:11). They were an oppressed, disenfranchised, and impoverished people, stripped of their dignity and material possessions. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a departing group, especially slaves, would typically leave destitute. However, God's promise in Exodus 3:21 defies this norm, indicating a reversal of fortunes and a divine act of justice. The Egyptians, as the dominant power, held all the wealth and control. For the Israelites to leave with "favor" and "not empty" would require a supernatural intervention, compelling the oppressors to willingly part with their valuables. This act would not only provide for Israel's immediate needs in the wilderness but also serve as a public declaration of God's judgment against Egypt for their cruelty and exploitation, demonstrating His sovereignty over the most powerful empire of the time.
Key Themes
This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence, showcasing God's absolute control over human hearts and historical events, even those involving hostile nations. Secondly, it highlights God's Faithfulness to Covenant Promises, specifically fulfilling the ancient prophecy given to Abraham that his descendants would leave their servitude with "great substance" (Genesis 15:14). Thirdly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Justice and Recompense, portraying God as the righteous judge who hears the cries of the oppressed and repays their suffering, turning the tables on their oppressors. Finally, it speaks to God's Holistic Provision and Deliverance, demonstrating that His salvation extends beyond mere physical liberation to include the material well-being and dignity of His people, ensuring they are equipped for their journey and future as a nation.
Exposition and Analysis
Exodus 3:21 is a succinct yet profound declaration of God's meticulous plan for Israel's departure, emphasizing not just their physical liberation but their economic empowerment and the reversal of their long-standing oppression.
Key Word Analysis
This primary root word is incredibly versatile, meaning "to give," but also "to put," "to make," "to bestow," or "to grant." In this context, it signifies God's active, sovereign bestowal of favor. It's not something the Israelites earn or extract by force, but a divinely initiated act, emphasizing God's control over the hearts and actions of the Egyptians. This highlights the supernatural nature of the favor they receive.
Derived from the root meaning "to be gracious," chên refers to graciousness, kindness, or goodwill. In this verse, it denotes a supernatural disposition instilled by God in the Egyptians, causing them to look upon the Israelites with benevolence and a willingness to part with their possessions. It implies an unmerited, divinely-induced goodwill that transcends natural human inclination, especially given the history of oppression.
This adverb means "emptily," "in vain," or "void." Its use here emphatically states that the Israelites will not leave destitute or without substance. It contrasts sharply with their status as slaves who owned nothing. The promise of not going "empty" signifies divine provision, a substantial recompense for their unpaid labor, and a visible sign of God's judgment and vindication.
Verse Breakdown
"And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians:"
This clause reveals God's sovereign intervention in human affairs. The "favor" (חֵן, chên) is not something the Israelites earn or demand, but something God supernaturally "gives" (נָתַן, nâthan) to them. It implies a divine manipulation of the Egyptians' disposition, causing them to view the Israelites with an uncharacteristic goodwill, leading to their willingness to part with their valuables. This highlights God's absolute control over the hearts of even their oppressors.
"and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty:"
This second clause details the practical outcome of the divine favor. The phrase "ye shall not go empty" (לֹא תֵלְכוּ רֵיקָם, lo telekhu rêyqâm) is a powerful assurance of divine provision and justice. It directly counters the expected outcome for slaves leaving bondage—destitution. Instead, it promises that Israel will depart with significant material wealth, serving as a form of recompense for centuries of unpaid labor and suffering, and a tangible sign of God's judgment against Egypt for their exploitation. This promise was dramatically fulfilled in Exodus 12:35-36, when the Egyptians eagerly gave the Israelites silver, gold, and clothing.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. Divine Fiat is evident in the direct, declarative "I will give," emphasizing God's absolute authority and the certainty of His promise. This is a divine decree, not a suggestion or a conditional statement. Foreshadowing is also present, as this promise sets the stage for the dramatic "spoiling of the Egyptians" described in Exodus 12, where the Israelites indeed leave laden with wealth. The phrase "ye shall not go empty" serves as a form of Litotes, a rhetorical understatement that affirms something by denying its opposite; by saying they won't go "empty," it strongly implies they will go full, or richly endowed. Finally, there's a profound sense of Irony and Reversal of Fortune: the very oppressors who enslaved and impoverished Israel will be divinely compelled to enrich them, turning the tables on their long-standing power dynamic and demonstrating God's ultimate justice.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 3:21 is a foundational statement about God's character and His interaction with humanity. It reveals a God who is intimately aware of His people's suffering, actively intervenes on their behalf, and orchestrates events to bring about His purposes, which include justice and recompense for the oppressed. This promise underscores that God's deliverance is comprehensive, addressing not only spiritual and physical bondage but also material well-being and the restoration of dignity. It establishes a pattern of divine provision and vindication that echoes throughout biblical history, assuring believers that God is faithful to His word and will ultimately provide for and reward those who trust in Him, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 3:21 serves as a powerful anchor for our faith, reminding us that God is not only aware of our struggles but actively working behind the scenes to bring about our deliverance and provision. Just as He supernaturally influenced the hearts of the Egyptians, He can incline the hearts of others—or orchestrate circumstances—to provide for our needs and bring about justice in our lives. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's faithfulness, especially when we feel "empty" or oppressed by circumstances. It encourages us to believe that our God is a God of recompense who sees every injustice and will, in His perfect timing, bring about restoration and abundance. Our ultimate "going out" from the bondage of sin and death, through Christ, is not empty, but filled with an inheritance beyond measure. Therefore, we are called to patiently endure, faithfully obey, and confidently expect God's holistic provision and vindication.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was the "spoiling" of the Egyptians an act of theft?
No, it was not theft. From a theological and ethical perspective, it was an act of divine justice and recompense. The Israelites had endured centuries of brutal, unpaid labor, contributing immensely to the Egyptian economy and infrastructure. God, as the ultimate arbiter of justice, decreed that the wealth they received was a rightful repayment for their generations of servitude and suffering, as well as a judgment against Egypt for their systemic oppression. This is explicitly stated in Exodus 12:35-36, where the Egyptians willingly gave them their valuables to hasten their departure.
How did God "give favour" to the Israelites in the sight of the Egyptians?
The text implies a supernatural, divine intervention that influenced the Egyptians' disposition. This favor was not earned by the Israelites but divinely bestowed. It likely manifested as a sudden, overwhelming desire among the Egyptians to be rid of the Israelites, especially after the devastating plagues. This desperation caused them to willingly part with their valuable possessions (silver, gold, clothing) to expedite the Israelites' departure, as detailed in Exodus 12:35-36. It was a miraculous turning of hearts, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over human will.
Does this promise of not "going empty" apply to believers today?
While the specific historical context of receiving material wealth from oppressors is unique to the Exodus, the underlying principles of God's faithfulness, divine provision, and ultimate justice are timeless and apply to believers today. We can trust that God will provide for our needs, deliver us from spiritual and temporal bondages, and ensure we are not left "empty" but are richly blessed, especially with the spiritual inheritance found in Christ. Our ultimate deliverance from the bondage of sin leads to an abundance of grace, peace, and eternal life, far surpassing any earthly treasure.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 3:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as God promised to lead Israel out of physical bondage in Egypt with "great substance," Christ, the greater Moses, leads His people out of the far more profound bondage of sin, death, and the dominion of darkness. We do not go "empty" from this spiritual exodus; rather, we are given an immeasurable spiritual inheritance. Through His atoning work on the cross, Christ "spoiled" the principalities and powers, disarming them and triumphing over them (Colossians 2:15). He leads His redeemed people out of spiritual slavery not with silver and gold, but with the true riches of grace, righteousness, adoption into God's family (Galatians 4:4-7), and eternal life (John 3:16). The "favor" God gave Israel in the sight of the Egyptians foreshadows the ultimate, unmerited favor (grace) God bestows upon humanity through Christ's sacrifice, granting us access to His glorious kingdom and an eternal inheritance that far surpasses any earthly treasure (Ephesians 1:3-14).