Book of Exodus - Chapter 11 - Verse 2

This verse from the book of Exodus instructs the Israelites to ask their Egyptian neighbors for jewels of silver and gold before they leave Egypt. This seemingly straightforward command is loaded with symbolic meaning and historical significance. For the Israelites, who have suffered under harsh slavery in Egypt for years, this act of borrowing valuable possessions from their neighbors can be seen as receiving restitution for their years of labor and oppression. It also serves as a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would leave Egypt with great wealth. Additionally, this act foreshadows the looting of the Egyptians by the Israelites after the tenth plague, where they were compensated for their years of servitude. Overall, this verse highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling his promises and providing for his people, even in the most unexpected ways.

One theological interpretation of the verse "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," from Exodus 11:2, is that it reflects the providence of God in providing for the Israelites. In this context, the Lord instructs Moses to tell the Israelites to ask their Egyptian neighbors for silver and gold jewelry as they prepare to leave Egypt. Some scholars suggest that this act of borrowing was a form of repayment for the years of enslavement and labor endured by the Israelites. This interpretation highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to provide for His people and deliver them from bondage.

Furthermore, a word study of the terms "borrow" and "jewels" in this verse sheds light on their deeper meanings. The Hebrew word for "borrow" used in this context can also be translated as "ask" or "request." This implies that the Israelites were not taking these items forcibly but were simply requesting them. The word "jewels" is translated from the Hebrew term "klei" which can refer to any type of utensil or vessel. In this verse, it specifically denotes valuable items made of silver and gold. This distinction shows that the items the Israelites were asking for were not mere trinkets but items of significant value.