Exodus 12:35 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The people of Israel had also done as Moses told them, for they had asked the Egyptians for silver and gold jewelry and for clothing.

NIV: The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing.

NASB: Now the sons of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, for they had requested from the Egyptians articles of silver and articles of gold, and clothing;

CSB: The Israelites acted on Moses’s word and asked the Egyptians for silver and gold items and for clothing.

NLT: And the people of Israel did as Moses had instructed; they asked the Egyptians for clothing and articles of silver and gold.

KJV: And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:

NKJV: Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing.

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).

Exodus 12:33–42 depicts the moment for which this book is named. This is the literal "exodus," or "exit" of Israel from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 1:8–14). After more than four centuries, Jacob's descendants are finally free (Genesis 47:5–6). After the horrific tenth plague (Exodus 12:29–32), the Egyptians want the Israelites gone as soon as possible. The former slaves quickly gather everything they own and leave in a single group. This event is remembered each year during the Jewish holiday of Passover.

Israel is to realign their calendar to begin with the current month. They receive instructions to prepare a special meal. This includes sacrificing lambs and applying their blood to the doorway of each home. Following these instructions will cause God's wrath to "pass over" that house. Egypt's firstborn are killed and they demand Israel leave immediately. The people quickly gather their belongings and march out in a single massive group. These events are to be remembered with festivals to be celebrated for all time.

Moses was sent to lead Israel into freedom (Exodus 3:10). This meant announcing the Lord's supernatural judgments on Egypt (Exodus 3:19–21). After nine such disasters (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23), a tenth was promised (Exodus 4:21–23; 11:4–6). In this chapter, God provides instructions for Israel to both survive and commemorate this first Passover night. Egypt reels from the death of its firstborn and demands Israel leave that very night. More directions about the future are to come (Exodus 13). Then Pharaoh will once again change his mind and confront the Hebrews on the shores of the Red Sea (Exodus 14).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.