And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:
Children of Israel ... borrowed. When the Orientals go to their sacred festivals they always put on their best jewels. The Israelites themselves thought they were only going three days' journey to hold a feast unto the Lord, and in these circumstances it would be easy for them to borrow what was necessary for a sacred festival. But "borrow" conveys a wrong meaning. The word х shaa'al (H7592)] rendered borrow signifies properly to ask, demand, require. The Israelites had been kept in great poverty, having received little or no wages. They now insisted on full remuneration for all their labour; and it was paid in light and valuable articles adapted for convenient carriage, х kªleey (H3627), utensils, vessels.] For, after all, notwithstanding the Septuagint version, jewels are more likely to be meant than implements or utensils of the precious metals, which are never used, even among the highest classes of society, for common domestic purposes; whereas it was quite usual for men, as well as women, to wear gold and silver trinkets as articles of personal adornment (Genesis 38:18). That the gifts bestowed by the Egyptians on the Hebrews at their departure did consist, to a large extent at least, of such ornaments, is evident from the list of contributions made for the tabernacle (Exodus 32:2; Exodus 35:22). This demand, however, was not made, as has been alleged, only at the eleventh hour. The order for making it was issued, and, doubtless, acted upon, previous to the infliction of the last plague (Exodus 11:2).