Exodus 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.
Exodus 3:22
This verse describes a practical, social strategy for the Israelites’ departure from Egypt: women borrowing valuables from neighbors and residents. It underscores the collective nature of the exodus—families, households, and communities playing a role. Borrowing here is not theft; it’s a trust-building act that signals God’s favor and the agreed temporary nature of the loan. Cultural nuance matters: ancient Near Eastern economies relied on tangible goods—jewels, gold, clothing—as portable wealth that could sustain a long journey. The instruction to adorn sons and daughters with these items also reflects practical considerations: jewelry and finery may be repurposed as protection or status in a foreign land, and it helps ensure continuity of family life as they depart. The larger theological arc is about divine provision and communal solidarity under God’s leadership.
The act embodies God’s righteous deliverance: a community sheltered by divine grace that also acts with wisdom and social integrity. It demonstrates that God’s salvation involves practical means, including generosity, social networks, and cultural memory. The promise of not going empty-handed emphasizes God’s intention that liberation be life-affirming—people return with resources to rebuild, not merely escape. The verse also foreshadows the idea that wealth and blessing can be redistributed in anticipation of future stewardship in the land God promises. It signals that faithfulness includes how we steward possessions and how neighborly trust under God sustains a community during transition.
Apply this by cultivating generous, wise generosity in times of transition. When facing a move, a job change, or church-wide renewal, communities can support one another with tangible resources. If you’re a host or neighbor, consider how lending or sharing goods can enable others’ seasons of growth. Teach children and adults that wealth is not just for personal comfort but for communal mission—helping others, funding outreach, or supporting those in need. In personal finance, plan for “exodus pockets”—savings or resources you set aside to sustain you in uncertain times or when God calls you to step into new ventures. Practice transparency and gratitude as a group, so that borrowed items become signs of trust and shared purpose, not coercive debt.
Cross-References: Genesis 24:53; Luke 14:33; Joshua 24:13; Nehemiah 5:1-13; 2 Corinthians 9:11