Exodus 3:21 – “And I will make the Egyptians favorably disposed toward this people, so that when you leave you will not go empty-handed.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Exodus 3:21 is part of God’s promise to Moses as He lays out His plan to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In this verse, God assures Moses that when the time comes for the Israelites to leave Egypt, they will not leave empty-handed. God declares that He will cause the Egyptians to look favorably upon the Israelites, resulting in the Israelites receiving valuable goods from the Egyptians as they depart.
This verse highlights God’s provision and justice. The Israelites had been oppressed and enslaved for generations, and their departure from Egypt would not only signify freedom but also restitution. God’s promise that they would not leave empty-handed is a powerful statement that He will provide for His people and ensure that they are compensated for their years of suffering and labor.
Historical Context
The historical context of this verse is crucial to understanding its significance. The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for about 400 years, during which they were subjected to harsh labor and brutal treatment. Pharaoh and the Egyptians had benefitted greatly from the forced labor of the Israelites, and now God was preparing to bring about their deliverance.
In ancient cultures, it was not uncommon for slaves to leave their place of servitude with nothing. However, God’s plan was different. He intended to move the hearts of the Egyptians to give generously to the Israelites as they departed. This would not only provide the Israelites with resources for their journey but also serve as a form of justice for the years of unpaid labor and suffering.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 3:21 emphasizes God’s sovereignty and His ability to influence the hearts of people, even those who do not know Him. The fact that God can make the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the Israelites demonstrates His control over all circumstances and His power to bring about His will in ways that may seem unlikely or impossible.
This verse also speaks to God’s concern for justice. The Israelites had been oppressed and exploited, and God’s promise that they would not leave empty-handed shows His commitment to making things right. It serves as a reminder that God is not only a deliverer but also a just God who provides for His people and ensures that they are treated fairly.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 3:21 serves as a precursor to the events that will unfold later in the Exodus narrative. The verse foreshadows the “plundering” of the Egyptians in Exodus 12:35-36, where the Israelites receive gold, silver, and clothing from the Egyptians as they prepare to leave. The language used in this verse—God making the Egyptians favorably disposed—indicates that what will happen is not due to the Israelites’ own actions but is entirely orchestrated by God.
The verse also serves to build anticipation. The promise that the Israelites will not leave empty-handed adds to the sense of completeness and fulfillment that will accompany their deliverance. It’s not just about leaving Egypt; it’s about leaving with God’s blessing and provision.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 12:35-36: The fulfillment of this promise, where the Israelites ask the Egyptians for articles of silver, gold, and clothing, and the Egyptians give them these items generously.
- Genesis 15:14: God’s earlier promise to Abraham that his descendants would be enslaved in a foreign land but would come out with great possessions.
- Psalm 105:37: The psalmist recounts how God brought the Israelites out of Egypt with silver and gold, emphasizing the fulfillment of God’s promise.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 3:21 is a reminder that God provides for His people, even in the most challenging circumstances. Just as God ensured that the Israelites did not leave Egypt empty-handed, He promises to supply our needs as we follow Him. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s provision, knowing that He is aware of our needs and is capable of providing for us in ways that we may not expect.
It also teaches us that God is a God of justice. When we experience injustice or suffering, we can trust that God sees it and that He will bring about justice in His time. This verse reassures us that God does not overlook the wrongs done to His people, and He will make things right.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 3:21 shows God’s love in His care and provision for His people. God’s promise that the Israelites would not leave empty-handed is an expression of His love and concern for their well-being. He not only frees them from slavery but also ensures that they have what they need for the journey ahead.
God’s love is also seen in His justice. He does not ignore the suffering of His people, but He takes action to restore what was lost. This verse demonstrates that God’s love is not passive; it is active and involves ensuring that His people are cared for and that justice is done.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 3:21 connects to Jesus Christ in the way that Jesus came to deliver us from the bondage of sin and death, and He ensures that we are not left empty-handed. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus not only frees us from sin but also provides us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Just as the Israelites left Egypt with the wealth of their oppressors, believers are given the riches of God’s grace through faith in Jesus.
Moreover, Jesus embodies God’s justice and provision. In Him, we see the fulfillment of God’s promises, and through Him, we receive everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Jesus’ work on the cross is the ultimate expression of God’s love and justice, ensuring that we are not left empty-handed but are richly blessed in every way.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does God’s promise in Exodus 3:21 encourage you to trust in His provision during difficult times?
- In what ways have you seen God provide for you in unexpected ways, similar to how He provided for the Israelites as they left Egypt?
- How can this verse help you understand God’s concern for justice and His commitment to making things right for His people?
- What does this passage teach you about God’s love and care for His people, especially in times of transition or uncertainty?
- How does the connection between God’s provision for the Israelites and Jesus’ provision for believers deepen your understanding of God’s grace and love in your life?