Exodus 3:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 3:22
22 But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.
Chapter Context
Exodus 3 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, creation, truth. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 3:22
22 But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.
Analysis
But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians (וְשָׁאֲלָה אִשָּׁה מִשְּׁכֶנְתָּהּ וּמִגָּרַת בֵּיתָהּ כְּלֵי־כֶסֶף וּכְלֵי זָהָב וּשְׂמָלֹת... וְנִצַּלְתֶּם אֶת־מִצְרָיִם)—The method: borrow (שָׁאַל, sha'al, more accurately "ask/request") items from neighbors. Jewels of silver and gold, and raiment—valuable portable wealth. Put them upon your sons and daughters—adorning the next generation. Ye shall spoil the Egyptians (וְנִצַּלְתֶּם אֶת־מִצְרָיִם, venitsaltem et-Mitsrayim)—spoil (נָצַל, natsal) means "plunder/strip." This is poetic justice: Egypt exploited Israel's labor for centuries; now Israel takes Egypt's wealth. The fulfillment (12:35-36) shows Egyptians giving willingly, eager for Israel to leave. God orchestrates recompense and provides resources for wilderness journey and tabernacle worship.
Historical Context
The 'borrowing' language (KJV) misled some to think Israel acted deceptively. Better translation: 'ask/request.' Exodus 12:35-36 shows Egyptians gave willingly—after the tenth plague, they were desperate for Israel to leave and gave generously (12:33). This wealth transfer reversed economic exploitation and fulfilled God's promise of leaving 'with great substance' (Genesis 15:14). The silver and gold later funded tabernacle construction (Exodus 25-40).
Reflection
- How does the 'spoiling of Egypt' illustrate God's justice in compensating the oppressed and judging oppressors economically as well as physically?
- What does God's provision of resources before the journey teach about His care to equip His people for the missions He assigns?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Exodus 11:2, Genesis 15:14, Psalms 105:37, Proverbs 13:22, Isaiah 33:1, Ezekiel 39:10