What does Exodus 12:35 mean?
God's people obeyed His instructions regarding the first Passover (Exodus 12:28). That night, they had eaten well (Exodus 12:4, 10), prepared unleavened bread (Exodus 12:8, 34), and dressed for travel (Exodus 12:11). They followed the Lord's commands about applying lamb's blood to their doorways, so they escaped His wrath on Egypt's firstborn (Exodus 12:12–13). They had also pressed the Egyptians to give them jewelry and other precious items (Exodus 11:2–3). These valuables would give the nation of Israel easily transported wealth for their journey.This interesting form of "plunder" was first predicted when God spoke to Moses from the burning bush (Exodus 3:21–22). Older translations such as the KJV say the Israelites "borrowed" these items. However, this is a mistranslation. The Israelites did not intend to return these, nor were they commanded to "borrow" them. The valuables were spoils taken in victory (Exodus 12:36).
The ability to leave immediately, rather than taking time to prepare, will become crucial to Israel's freedom. Pharaoh has often changed his mind (Exodus 8:15, 31–32; 9:34–35; 10:19–20), and he will do so again (Exodus 14:5–8). Because Israel can depart so quickly, the Egyptian army won't catch them until the shores of the Red Sea. There, God will win a permanent victory over Israel's former captors (Exodus 14:23, 28).