“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.”
Context: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-death of the firstborn.
Favor from the Lord:Exodus 12:36 begins by stating that “the Lord gave the people favor 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.
Lending and Borrowing:As a result of the favour bestowed upon them, the Israelites received generosity from the Egyptians. The verse says, “they lent unto them such things as they required.” The Egyptians willingly provided the Israelites with goods and supplies needed for their journey out of Egypt. This act of lending demonstrates a remarkable change of heart on the part of the Egyptians, who previously oppressed the Israelites.
Spoiling the Egyptians:The verse concludes with the statement, “And they spoiled the Egyptians.” This phrase has caused some debate and interpretations. Some suggest that the Israelites took valuable possessions from the Egyptians 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” could also mean “asked,” implying that the Israelites merely requested these items and the Egyptians willingly provided them.
Lessons and Application:
- 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 concept of the Israelites “spoiling” the Egyptians can be seen as a form of restoration and justice. The Israelites, who had been oppressed for years, received some recompense for their suffering. This demonstrates 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.
