Exodus 12:36 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.

NIV: The Lord had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians.

NASB: and the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have their request. Therefore they plundered the Egyptians.

CSB: And the Lord gave the people such favor with the Egyptians that they gave them what they requested. In this way they plundered the Egyptians.

NLT: The Lord caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the Israelites, and they gave the Israelites whatever they asked for. So they stripped the Egyptians of their wealth!

KJV: And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

NKJV: And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.

After centuries of slavery (Exodus 1:8–14; 12:40), the nation of Israel would not have been ready to move at a moment's notice. On the night of the first Passover, God made sure they were prepared. They followed His instructions (Exodus 12:28) to eat well (Exodus 12:4, 10), prepare unleavened bread (Exodus 12:8, 34), and to wear traveling clothes (Exodus 12:11). They had also followed commands to ask Egyptians for precious items such as clothes and jewelry (Exodus 11:2–3; 12:35). Frightened by supernatural disasters (Exodus 3:19–22), the Egyptians gave generously.

As a result, Israel was able to depart the instant Egypt's king granted them unconditional freedom (Exodus 12:28–32). This is an important part of their rescue from slavery (Exodus 1:8–14). Pharaoh will soon change his mind, again (Exodus 8:15, 31–32; 9:34–35; 10:19–20) and try to recapture the Hebrews (Exodus 14:5–8). By the time he catches them, they will be at the Red Sea, where the Lord will dramatically end any chance Egypt had to oppress His people (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.