Exodus 11:2 Meaning: God Provides through Unlikely Hands
Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man ask of his neighbor, and every woman of her neighbor, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.”
Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.
Speak now in the ears of the people, and let them ask every man of his neighbor, and every woman of her neighbor, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.
speak, I pray thee, in the ears of the people, and they ask--each man from his neighbour, and each woman from her neighbour, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold.'
Speak now in the ears of the people, that they ask every man of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, utensils of silver and utensils of gold.
Meaning in one sentence
Was it ethical for the Israelites to 'borrow' from the Egyptians? Discover the true meaning of this verse and God's surprising provision.
Context
The final plague is about to fall. God has told Moses that one more stroke against Pharaoh will break Egypt's grip on His people. In this charged moment, God gives Moses a strange instruction: tell the Israelites, every man and woman, to ask their Egyptian neighbors for articles of silver and gold. It is not a new command, God had already given it back in Exodus 3. Now, as the moment of departure arrives, the command is repeated. The Egyptians, whose hearts have been hardened and softened by the plagues, are made willing to give. This is no random request. It is God's provision for His people as they step into freedom.
Key Words
The Hebrew word translated 'ask' or 'borrow' is sha'al. It simply means 'to request' or 'to inquire.' In this context, it carries no hint of deception. The King James Version used 'borrow,' but that has led to misunderstanding for centuries. The Israelites were not promising to return anything. They were asking for gifts, and God had already moved the Egyptians' hearts to give freely.
The word for 'jewels' is kelei, meaning articles, vessels, or utensils. Not just jewelry, but any valuable item made of silver or gold. God wanted His people to leave not empty-handed, but equipped for their new life. The little word na ('please' or 'now') gives the command a gentle urgency. This is a moment of God's timing and grace.
How Christians Read This Verse
Across traditions, Christians have wrestled with this verse. Some, like Matthew Henry and John Wesley, see it as God's just compensation for generations of unpaid slave labor. The Egyptians owed the Israelites wages, and God simply collected the debt. Others, like Calvin, emphasize God's absolute authority to command His people to take what He gives. The command itself absolves the Israelites from any charge of theft because the Creator of all things has the right to redistribute His own wealth.
Modern readers sometimes focus on the ethical tension of 'borrowing' without intending to return. But the weight of Christian interpretation sees this as God's sovereign provision, not human deception.
A common misunderstanding
A common misunderstanding is that the Israelites tricked the Egyptians by pretending to borrow items they planned to keep. In fact, the Hebrew verb sha'al primarily means 'to ask,' not 'to borrow with intent to return.' The context makes clear that God commanded this asking, and He made the Egyptians willing. It was not a loan; it was a farewell gift, just compensation for centuries of slavery.
Living This Out
You may not be leaving Egypt this week, but you may be facing a transition, a new job, a difficult move, a season of scarcity. This verse invites you to trust that God can provide through the most unlikely sources. He who softened the hearts of slave masters can open doors you never expected. Your part is simply to ask, to receive what He gives, and to use it for the next step of your journey.
Main takeaway: God provides for His people in surprising ways, using even former oppressors to supply what is needed for freedom.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God told His people to ask their neighbors for gold and silver things. The neighbors gave them because God made them kind. God gave His people everything they needed.
For ages 9, 12
God was getting His people ready to leave Egypt. He told them to ask for valuable items from the Egyptians. This wasn't stealing, God was making sure His people were paid for all the hard work they had done without pay. God cares about justice, and He provides for His people in ways that might surprise you.
Questions People Ask
Did the Israelites lie when they 'borrowed' from the Egyptians?
No. The Hebrew word 'sha'al' means 'to ask' or 'to request,' not 'to borrow with intention to return.' The context shows this was a one-time gift, not a loan. God commanded it, and the Egyptians willingly gave.
Why did God want the Israelites to take silver and gold from Egypt?
God was providing for His people as they left slavery. They needed resources for their journey and for building the tabernacle (later in Exodus). It was also just compensation for generations of unpaid labor.
Is it okay for Christians to take from non-believers?
This is a specific historical command from God, not a general principle. It shows God's sovereignty over all nations. For Christians today, the lesson is that God can provide through anyone, and we should trust His provision.
Why did the Egyptians give their valuables?
Exodus 11:3 says 'Yahweh gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians.' God supernaturally softened their hearts. After the devastating plagues, the Egyptians were eager for the Israelites to leave and willing to let them take whatever they asked.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study