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It’s agreed upon by scholars that the first three verses of this chapter be read in the past tense. This means as the plague of darkness swept over the land, God began to prime Moses and the Israelites for their departure from Egypt. They were not only going to depart Egypt but plunder them (more on this in chapter 12).
The reason God was going to take silver and gold from the Egyptians was because it was the only means to stored value. Coinage would not come until 625 BC, so this gold and silver would establish Israel with wealth for the future. An ancient Egyptian necklace or bracelet was thick and heavy, sometimes weighing nearly 50 pounds!
Why would the Egyptian people freely give up their wealth to the Israelites? First and foremost, because God had willed it to happen. Secondly, because they had great respect and reverence for Moses. This is a man who has proven to them, (through plagues and natural wonders) that God is the only all-powerful and sovereign God.
You would think they would hate Moses for all the damage that was done, but in reality, they probably were more upset with Pharaoh for being so stubborn. In the end, Israel would triumph on many levels in their departure from Egypt but all the glory would go back to the Lord.
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I think for the first time Moses owned his calling. Always thought of him as a status quo type of guy. But as the plagues came he would get stronger in his resolve and this last and horrible plague drove it home for him. When he left Pharaoh for the last time he was the leader to these people. God is AWESOME how He moves in us and around us. Thanks Hank and Brad.