“And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty, but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing. You shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.” (Exodus 3:21–22, ESV)

“The people of Israel had also done as Moses told them, for they had asked the Egyptians for silver and gold jewelry and for clothing. And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.” (Exodus 12:35–36, ESV)

The chronicle of the Exodus is very exciting. It was one of my favorite Sunday school lessons when I was a child. Through this story, I learned that God cares about His people. I also learned that God protects his people, and I liked that the bullies were put in their place. One of the things I loved most as a child was that it was an account of the Israelites going from rags to riches overnight.

When I was a child, it seemed great that they got rich. I felt they were paid back for all the years they were treated like slaves. All the hard work paid off in the long run. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I saw this financial gain in a very different light. I wonder how long it took the Children of Israel to understand the true reason they were rich?

God had predisposed the Egyptians to be kind to the slaves. The Israelites were given so much stuff that they were able to dress their children in silver, gold, and fancy clothing. They left Egypt with the finances they would need to set up homes in a new nation.

A funny thing happened on the way to their new home. They didn’t get there. The children of Israel ended up wandering in the wilderness for forty years. There was nothing to buy. There were no stores. With no place to spend the wealth, the treasure was worthless. If the money was of no use, why did God give riches to his children?

God gave them gifts so they could give them back as a freewill offering to Him. “And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the LORD’s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments. So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the LORD.” (Exodus 35:21–22, ESV)

The people were so generous that Moses had to tell them to stop giving. “and [the craftsmen] said to Moses, “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the LORD has commanded us to do.” So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, “Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more.” (Exodus 36:5–7, ESV)

Wow. God had given the people good gifts so they could give them back as a sacrifice to God. In this way, they glorified and honored Him. They could have easily hoarded the riches. That would have been silly though. They still didn’t have places to spend the money. It was of no benefit unless it was freely given for the glory of God. By giving the gifts away, they became worth far more than their actual monetary value. They were worth eternal glory.

What gifts has God given me that I have been hoarding? Do I have things that I think are very valuable, but they are really of no benefit in my present circumstances? When I give them to God will they bring eternal benefit and glory? How? These are questions I intend to ponder. And probably write about again.