What Did the Israelites Ask the Egyptians For?

The story of the Israelites in Egypt, as described in the biblical book of Exodus, includes a significant moment when the Israelites, after years of enslavement, asked the Egyptians for specific items. This request holds both historical and symbolic significance in the narrative.

1. Context of the Request

The Israelites had been living in Egypt for several centuries, initially as guests under Joseph’s favorable position in Pharaoh’s court. Over time, their population grew, and the Egyptians grew fearful of their numbers. This fear led to the Israelites being enslaved and subjected to harsh labor.

When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses confronted Pharaoh, demanding the release of his people. Pharaoh repeatedly refused, leading to a series of divine plagues on Egypt. Eventually, after the tenth plague, which struck down the firstborn of Egypt, Pharaoh relented and allowed the Israelites to leave.

Before their departure, the Israelites asked the Egyptians for material possessions. This request is described in Exodus 3:21–22 and Exodus 11:2–3.

2. Specific Items Requested

The Israelites asked the Egyptians for “articles of silver, gold, and clothing.” The request included:

• Gold and silver items: Precious metals were highly valued in Egyptian society, often used for religious idols, jewelry, and wealth accumulation.

• Clothing and other valuables: These items were essential for sustenance and comfort and symbolized the transfer of material wealth from oppressors to the freed people.

This request was both practical and symbolic. Practically, the Israelites needed resources to establish themselves as a free nation in the wilderness. Symbolically, it represented a form of restitution: the Egyptians had exploited the Israelites for labor, and now the Israelites were leaving with wealth that was rightfully theirs.

3. The Significance of the Request

The request for possessions had several layers of meaning:

1. Divine Justice: By asking for gold, silver, and clothing, the Israelites were receiving what God had promised them would come from the Egyptians as part of their deliverance. Exodus 3:22 highlights that God intended the Egyptians to “give them favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they shall give them what they ask.” This framed the request as not mere greed but fulfillment of divine justice.

2. Preparation for a New Life: The materials requested were essential for survival and establishing a community. The gold and silver could be used for trade, and clothing provided immediate practical needs for a people about to embark on a long journey.

3. A Moral Lesson for Egypt: The Egyptians’ compliance demonstrated the transfer of power and blessing from oppressors to the oppressed. It underscored the narrative theme that God protects and honors His people.

4. How the Egyptians Responded

Remarkably, the Egyptians gave generously to the Israelites. Exodus 12:35–36 records that the Israelites “plundered” the Egyptians, taking not just what they asked for but perhaps even more. This act fulfilled God’s promise and demonstrated His authority and favor toward the Israelites.

5. Conclusion

The Israelites asked the Egyptians for gold, silver, and clothing before their departure from Egypt. This request was both a practical measure to equip them for freedom and a divinely sanctioned restitution for years of oppression. The narrative emphasizes themes of justice, divine providence, and preparation for a new beginning. The generosity of the Egyptians, albeit compelled by God’s plan, highlighted the fulfillment of God’s promise to liberate and bless His people.

What did Pharaoh finally command?