What does Exodus 3:21 mean?

After giving a message for the elders of Israel, and a prediction that Pharaoh will refuse their request for freedom to worship God, God gives some additional prophecies. He says the Jews would have "favor" among the Egyptians, even as they leave a ruined and scarred nation behind. The fulfillment of this prophecy is found in Exodus 12:36. Following the death of firstborn sons and animals of Egypt, and other catastrophic plagues caused by their enslavement of the Hebrews, the Egyptians will give the Hebrews whatever they want and urge them to leave immediately (Exodus 12:33–36).

This passage (Exodus 3:22) further explains the Jews will leave Egypt with significant material wealth. Exodus 12:35 specifically notes silver and gold jewelry and clothing. Much like a winning nation in war, this would serve as the equivalent of "plundering" the Egyptians. The Jews would not leave destitute, but rather in victory over those who had oppressed them. These materials would prove useful for the building of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:1–9) and sadly also for the making of the golden calf (Exodus 32:2–6).