Exodus 12:36

And the Lord gaue the people fauour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent vnto them such things as they required: and they spoiled the Egyptians. Exodus 12:36 (KJV)

The book of Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In this particular verse, the Israelites have just experienced the first Passover, where they were instructed to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood to be spared from the final plague—the death of the firstborn.

Exodus 12:36 begins by stating that “the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians.” This favour was a result of God’s intervention and his fulfillment of his promise to Moses to bring the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:21‑22). The Egyptians, who had previously oppressed and enslaved the Israelites, now showed them favour and goodwill.

As a result of the favour bestowed upon them, the Egyptians provided the Israelites with the goods and supplies they needed for their journey out of Egypt. The verse says that the LORD “gave them what they asked for,” indicating that the Egyptians willingly supplied the requested items rather than formally “lending” them. Some readers notice that certain translations render the Hebrew word “shālaḥ” as “spoil.” Many scholars argue that in this context the word more accurately means “ask” or “request,” which explains why the Israelites received what they needed without implying violent seizure. The verse also concludes with the statement, “And they spoiled the Egyptians,” a phrase that has caused debate. Some suggest that the Israelites took valuable possessions as compensation for their years of slavery and to fulfill God’s earlier promise in Exodus 3:22. Others argue that the Hebrew word translated as “spoiled” is “נָצַל” (natsal), meaning “to plunder” or “to strip,” and is distinct from “שָׁאַל” (shaʿal), meaning “asked.”

God’s Favor: Exodus 12:36 highlights God’s ability to change hearts and circumstances. Even though the Israelites were oppressed, God’s favour turned the Egyptians’ hearts toward them. This reminds us that God can intervene in our lives and turn difficult situations in our favour.

Provision and Generosity: God used the Egyptians’ generosity to provide for the Israelites’ needs. This teaches us the importance of trusting in God’s provision and being open to receiving help from unexpected sources. It also serves as a reminder that God can use others to bless us, even those who may have previously been unkind or hostile.

Restoration and Justice: The Israelites’ receipt of the requested provisions can be seen as a form of restoration and justice. After years of oppression, they received recompense for their suffering, demonstrating God’s concern for justice and his ability to restore what was lost or taken away.

Trusting God’s Promises: Exodus 12:36 reminds us of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling his promises. He had promised the Israelites that they would come out of Egypt with great possessions (Genesis 15:14). The events described in this verse serve as a fulfillment of that promise and a testament to God’s faithfulness to his people.

Overall, Exodus 12:36 portrays God’s favour, provision, restoration, and faithfulness. It encourages us to trust in God’s promises, rely on his provision, and believe that he can turn challenging circumstances in our favour.