Exodus 12:36

Exodus 12:36 details a crucial moment in the Israelite exodus from Egypt, describing how the Lord orchestrated events so that the Egyptians willingly gave their wealth to the departing Israelites. This act, often referred to as "spoiling the Egyptians," was a direct fulfillment of God's earlier promises and a powerful display of His sovereignty and justice.

Context

This verse immediately follows the devastating Tenth Plague, the death of the firstborn, which finally broke Pharaoh's stubborn resistance. In their desperation to see the Israelites leave, the Egyptians urged them to depart hastily. The "favour" mentioned here is a supernatural influence, prompting the Egyptians to not only allow the Israelites to leave but also to freely give them valuable items like silver, gold, and clothing. This was not a spontaneous act but had been foretold by God to Moses earlier, specifically in Exodus 3:22 and reiterated in Exodus 11:2.

Key Themes

• Divine Providence and Sovereignty: The Lord's direct intervention ensured that the Egyptians, who had enslaved Israel for centuries, would willingly part with their possessions. This highlights God's absolute control over human hearts and circumstances, turning even enemies into instruments of His will.
• Justice and Recompense: The "spoiling" of the Egyptians was not theft but a form of divine recompense for over 400 years of forced labor and oppression. It served as a just wage for their generations of servitude and a judgment against Egypt for its cruelty and defiance of God.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: This event precisely fulfilled God's ancient promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:14, where He declared that Abraham's descendants would come out of their affliction with "great substance."
• God's Provision: The wealth acquired from the Egyptians would later be used in the construction of the Tabernacle in the wilderness (Exodus 35:21-24), demonstrating God's foresight in providing for His people's needs even before they knew what they would be.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "favour" is the Hebrew word chen (חֵן), which signifies grace, charm, or goodwill. Its use here emphasizes that the Egyptians' generosity was not natural but supernaturally induced by God. The phrase "spoiled the Egyptians" comes from the Hebrew verb natsal (נָצַל), which can mean to deliver, rescue, or plunder. In this context, it implies a legitimate taking of possessions, akin to reclaiming what was due, rather than illicit raiding. It was God's way of delivering His people while justly dispossessing their oppressors.

Practical Application

Exodus 12:36 offers powerful lessons for believers today:

• God's Faithfulness: It reinforces the truth that God is faithful to His promises, even over centuries. We can trust that His word will always come to pass.
• Divine Justice: It assures us that God sees oppression and injustice, and in His perfect timing, He will bring about justice and recompense.
• God's Provision: Even in dire circumstances, God can turn the hearts of adversaries and provide for His people in unexpected ways. We are reminded to trust in His provision, knowing He can use any means to meet our needs.
• Transformation of Adversity: What seemed like an insurmountable bondage turned into a triumphant departure, enriched by the very people who had enslaved them. God can transform our difficulties into opportunities for His glory and our blessing.