share torah logo

Exodus 12:35 - Divine wealth transfer commanded.

Exodus 12:35 - שמות 12:35

Hebrew Text

וּבְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל עָשׂוּ כִּדְבַר מֹשֶׁה וַיִּשְׁאֲלוּ מִמִּצְרַיִם כְּלֵי־כֶסֶף וּכְלֵי זָהָב וּשְׂמָלֹת׃

English Translation

And the children of Yisra᾽el did according to the word of Moshe; and they asked of Miżrayim jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and garments:

Transliteration

U-veney Yisrael asu kidvar Moshe va-yish'alu mi-Mitzrayim klei-kesef u-khley zahav u-smalot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל עָשׂ֖וּ כִּדְבַ֣ר מֹשֶׁ֑ה וַֽיִּשְׁאֲלוּ֙ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם כְּלֵי־כֶ֛סֶף וּכְלֵ֥י זָהָ֖ב וּשְׂמָלֹֽת׃
וּבְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל עָשׂ֖וּ כִּדְבַ֣ר מֹשֶׁ֑ה וַֽיִּשְׁאֲלוּ֙ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם כְּלֵי־כֶ֛סֶף וּכְלֵ֥י זָהָ֖ב וּשְׂמָלֹֽת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Fulfilling the Divine Promise

The verse (Shemot 12:35) describes Bnei Yisrael following Moshe's instruction to request silver, gold, and garments from the Egyptians. Rashi explains that this fulfilled Hashem's promise to Avraham in Bereshit 15:14 that his descendants would leave Egypt with great wealth. The request was made possible because the Egyptians held the Israelites in high regard after witnessing the plagues, as noted by Ramban.

The Nature of the Request

The term "וַיִּשְׁאֲלוּ" (they asked) is understood by Chazal in multiple ways:

  • As a loan: The Mechilta explains they requested these items as loans, giving the Egyptians the impression they would return them, though Hashem intended for Bnei Yisrael to keep them permanently as compensation for their unpaid labor.
  • Voluntary gifts: Ibn Ezra suggests the Egyptians willingly gave these items, either out of fear or to hasten the Israelites' departure.

The Items Requested

The three categories of items hold significance:

  • Silver and gold vessels: These would later be used in constructing the Mishkan (Shemot 25:1-8), as explained by Sforno.
  • Garments: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 14:3) notes these were fine clothing, possibly the same garments Pharaoh had given Yosef (Bereshit 41:42), preserved through the generations for this moment.

Moral Justification

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 91a) addresses the ethical question of taking Egyptian property, explaining that this was rightful compensation for Israelite slaves who had worked without pay. The Kli Yakar adds that the wealth transfer fulfilled the Torah principle that a slave goes free with compensation (Devarim 15:13-14).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 9b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and the commandment to remember the departure from Egypt, highlighting how they borrowed items from the Egyptians as commanded by Moses.
📖 Sanhedrin 91a
Cited in a debate about the righteousness of the Israelites' actions in taking the Egyptians' possessions, with some sages justifying it as compensation for unpaid labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Israelites ask the Egyptians for silver, gold, and garments?
A: According to Rashi (Exodus 12:35), this was in fulfillment of G-d's promise to Avraham (Genesis 15:14) that his descendants would leave Egypt with great wealth. The Egyptians willingly gave these items as compensation for the Israelites' years of unpaid labor.
Q: What is the significance of the Israelites taking these items from Egypt?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 14:3) explains that these valuables were later used to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This shows how even the hardships of slavery were ultimately transformed into something holy for serving Hashem.
Q: Why does the verse say they 'asked' rather than 'took' these items?
A: Rashi notes that the word 'asked' (וַיִּשְׁאֲלוּ) implies the Egyptians willingly gave these items. The Talmud (Berachot 9a) explains this was a miracle - after the plagues, the Egyptians were favorably disposed toward the Israelites and gave generously.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how the Israelites acquired these possessions?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Gezeilah 1:13) derives from this that it's permitted to accept gifts from non-Jews when given willingly. More broadly, it teaches that material possessions can be elevated when used for holy purposes, as the Israelites later did with the Mishkan.
Q: Why specifically silver, gold and garments?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma Beshalach 2) explains these represent different levels of wealth: garments for immediate use, silver as currency, and gold as long-term valuables. This showed the completeness of their compensation for slavery.