share torah logo

Exodus 11:2 - Divine justice through Egyptian wealth

Exodus 11:2 - שמות 11:2

Hebrew Text

דַּבֶּר־נָא בְּאָזְנֵי הָעָם וְיִשְׁאֲלוּ אִישׁ מֵאֵת רֵעֵהוּ וְאִשָּׁה מֵאֵת רְעוּתָהּ כְּלֵי־כֶסֶף וּכְלֵי זָהָב׃

English Translation

Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man ask of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.

Transliteration

Daber-na be'oznei ha'am veyish'alu ish me'et re'ehu ve'isha me'et re'utah klei-kesef u'klei zahav.

Hebrew Leining Text

דַּבֶּר־נָ֖א בְּאׇזְנֵ֣י הָעָ֑ם וְיִשְׁאֲל֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ&thinsp
דַּבֶּר־נָ֖א בְּאׇזְנֵ֣י הָעָ֑ם וְיִשְׁאֲל֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ&thinsp

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Shemot (Exodus) 11:2

This verse appears just before the final plague, Makat Bechorot (the Plague of the Firstborn), when Hashem instructs Moshe to prepare Bnei Yisrael for their imminent departure from Mitzrayim (Egypt). The request for silver and gold vessels is part of the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham in Bereshit 15:14 that his descendants would leave with great wealth (Rashi, Shemot 11:2).

The Purpose of Collecting the Vessels

  • Fulfillment of Divine Promise: The Midrash Tanchuma (Bo 2) explains that this was compensation for the unpaid labor of Bnei Yisrael during their enslavement.
  • Elevating the Spoils of Mitzrayim: The Ramban (Shemot 11:2) notes that these vessels were later used in the construction of the Mishkan, sanctifying them for divine service.
  • Psychological Preparation for Freedom: The Sforno suggests that this act instilled confidence in Bnei Yisrael, reinforcing their belief in their impending redemption.

Why "Ask" Rather Than Take?

The term "וְיִשְׁאֲלוּ" ("let them ask") implies a request, not seizure. Rashi explains that Hashem wanted Bnei Yisrael to merit the wealth through a semblance of voluntary giving, so the Egyptians could not later claim theft (Shemot Rabbah 14:3). The Kli Yakar adds that this preserved the moral integrity of Bnei Yisrael as they left slavery.

Gender-Specific Language

The verse specifies "אִישׁ מֵאֵת רֵעֵהוּ וְאִשָּׁה מֵאֵת רְעוּתָהּ" ("every man from his neighbor, and every woman from her neighbor"). The Or HaChayim highlights that men and women were instructed separately to ensure modesty and propriety in interactions between the sexes during this exchange.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Hashem command the Israelites to ask for gold and silver from the Egyptians?
A: According to Rashi (Exodus 11:2), this was to fulfill the promise Hashem made to Avraham that his descendants would leave Egypt with great wealth (Bereishit 15:14). The Egyptians willingly gave these items to compensate the Israelites for their unpaid labor during slavery.
Q: What is the significance of the Israelites receiving gold and silver before leaving Egypt?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 14:3) explains that this wealth was later used to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle), showing how even the hardships of slavery were ultimately for a higher purpose in serving Hashem. The gold and silver elevated the physical into the spiritual.
Q: Why does the verse specify that both men and women should ask for these items?
A: The Talmud (Brachot 9a) notes that women were especially righteous in Egypt and instrumental in the redemption. By including them specifically, the Torah highlights their equal participation in this mitzvah and their share in the future use of these valuables for holy purposes.
Q: How could the Egyptians willingly give their valuables after the plagues?
A: Ramban (Exodus 11:2) explains that after witnessing Hashem's power through the plagues, the Egyptians were in awe of the Israelites and eager to have them leave quickly. Their generosity reflected their changed attitude, fulfilling the verse 'Hashem gave the people favor in the eyes of Egypt' (Exodus 12:36).
Q: What lesson can we learn from this commandment to collect gold and silver?
A: The Sforno teaches that this shows how Hashem provides for our needs in unexpected ways. Even in the midst of oppression, Hashem arranged for the Israelites to acquire wealth honorably. This teaches us to trust in Divine providence even in difficult circumstances.