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Book of Exodus - Chapter 3 - Verse 22

3:22
But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.

Meaning

Exodus 3:22 instructs women to borrow jewels and raiment from their Egyptian neighbors before the Israelites' departure from Egypt. This act of borrowing can be seen as a form of compensation for years of unpaid labor and mistreatment at the hands of the Egyptians. By borrowing these valuable items, the Israelite women are reclaiming some of the wealth that they have earned through their hard work. Putting these jewels and raiment on their sons and daughters can be interpreted as a way of passing down this new-found wealth to the next generation, ensuring that they have a prosperous future ahead. Additionally, this act serves as a symbolic gesture of liberation from oppression and a new beginning for the Israelites as they journey towards the Promised Land. It highlights the justice and righteousness of God in providing for His people and fulfilling His promises to them.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Exodus, we see a command from God for the Israelites to borrow jewels of silver and gold, as well as raiment, from the Egyptians. The theological interpretation of this verse presents two key points. Firstly, it symbolizes God's provision for His people, showcasing His ability to provide for their needs even in the midst of adversity. Secondly, it highlights the concept of divine justice, as the Egyptians had previously enslaved the Israelites and now they are essentially repaying them for their years of servitude. This act of taking spoils from the Egyptians not only fulfills God's promise to Abraham of blessing his descendants, but also establishes a sense of restitution for the suffering the Israelites endured. Through this verse, we are reminded of God's sovereignty and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people.

American Standard Version

but every woman shall ask of her neighbor, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall despoil the Egyptians.
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