Exodus 12:36

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.

Exodus 12:36 (KJV)

Context

The book of Exodus tells how God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In this verse, the people have just kept the first Passover, marking their doorposts with the blood of a lamb so the destroyer would pass over their homes (Exodus 12:1-13). The final plague, the death of the firstborn, has broken Egypt’s resistance, and Pharaoh has urged the Israelites to leave. At this moment, God gives His people favour in the sight of the Egyptians.

Meaning

The verse says that “the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians.” This favour was not natural goodwill; it was a divine act. God had promised Moses at the burning bush that He would make the Egyptians kind to His people (Exodus 3:21-22). Now that promise comes true. The Egyptians, who had oppressed Israel, willingly gave them articles of silver, gold, and clothing (Exodus 12:35). The word “lent” here means they handed over what the Israelites asked for, not a formal loan. The phrase “they spoiled the Egyptians” has caused debate. The Hebrew word translated “spoiled” means to plunder or strip, but this was not done by force. The Israelites asked, and the Egyptians freely gave. So the “spoiling” was a peaceful taking of goods, not a violent seizure.

Biblical connections

This event fulfills God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would come out of bondage with great possessions (Genesis 15:14). It also shows God’s sovereign power over human hearts, as Proverbs 21:1 says the king’s heart is in the LORD’s hand. The wealth of Egypt became the provision for Israel’s journey to the Promised Land. This act also points to a greater deliverance: as Israel was redeemed by the blood of the lamb and then enriched by the spoils of Egypt, so believers are redeemed by the blood of Christ and receive spiritual riches from Him who overcame the world. The favour was not earned but given, demonstrating that God can cause even enemies to be generous to His people.

Application

God can change the hearts of those who oppose us. He can turn hostility into generosity, and He can provide for our needs through unexpected sources. The Israelites did not earn this favour; it was given. In the same way, God’s favour in our lives is a gift, not a reward. We can trust Him to supply what we need for the journey He has set before us. At the same time, the Israelites left Egypt’s wealth behind as they moved toward the Promised Land. This reminds us not to cling to worldly treasures but to rely on God’s provision for the road ahead. God’s favour is not a reward for our goodness but a sign of His grace.

Reflection

God’s faithfulness to His promises stands firm. He had told Abraham, Moses, and the people that He would bring them out with abundance, and He did. When we face oppression or lack, we can remember that God sees our suffering and is able to restore what was lost. He can turn our difficult circumstances into provision and our enemies into benefactors. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s promises, rely on His provision, and believe that He can work in any situation for our good and His glory. The same God who gave Israel favour in Egypt can give us favour in our own places of need.