And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.
The Lord gave the people favour. Such a dread of them was inspired into the universal minds of the Egyptians, that whatever they asked was readily given. Our version has "lent." But the Hebrew word must be taken here in the same acceptation in which it was used by Hannah in her vow, where the idea of restoration is completely excluded (1 Samuel 1:28).
Spoiled the Egyptians. That people were so panic-stricken that they handed over their wealth to the Israelites without counting it. The accumulated earnings of many years being paid them at this moment, the Israelites were suddenly enriched, according to the promise made to Abraham (Genesis 15:14), and they left the country like a victorious army laden with spoil (Psalms 105:37; Ezekiel 39:10). But the prophecy that the Israelites should come out with great substance was fulfilled in a higher sense than their being loaded with material riches at their departure. They had gradually exchanged a nomadic for an agricultural or settled life; and having lived under the influence of Egyptian civilization, as well as been employed in various departments of manual labour, they carried away with them a knowledge and practical skill in many of the useful and liberal arts, which was ere long turned to good account in the elaborate construction of the tabernacle.