Exodus 12:35
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:
Original Language Analysis
וּבְנֵֽי
And the children
H1121
וּבְנֵֽי
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
2 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עָשׂ֖וּ
did
H6213
עָשׂ֖וּ
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּדְבַ֣ר
according to the word
H1697
כִּדְבַ֣ר
according to the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 12
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
וַֽיִּשְׁאֲלוּ֙
and they borrowed
H7592
וַֽיִּשְׁאֲלוּ֙
and they borrowed
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
6 of 12
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם
of the Egyptians
H4714
מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם
of the Egyptians
Strong's:
H4714
Word #:
7 of 12
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
וּכְלֵ֥י
and jewels
H3627
וּכְלֵ֥י
and jewels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
8 of 12
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
כֶ֛סֶף
of silver
H3701
כֶ֛סֶף
of silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
9 of 12
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
וּכְלֵ֥י
and jewels
H3627
וּכְלֵ֥י
and jewels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
10 of 12
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
Historical Context
After the plagues, particularly the death of Egypt's firstborn, Egyptians would have been eager to give anything to hasten Israel's departure. These goods later funded the tabernacle construction (Exodus 25:3).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's provision of material goods at the exodus demonstrate His concern for both spiritual and physical needs?
- What does receiving gifts from former oppressors teach about God's ability to make enemies unwitting benefactors?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'did according to the word of Moses' shows obedience to Moses' earlier instruction (Exodus 3:21-22, 11:2-3). Asking 'jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment' represents receiving compensation for centuries of unpaid labor. This is not theft but just wages, fulfilling God's promise that they would not leave empty-handed (Exodus 3:21).