Meaning of Exodus 11:3

This verse, Exodus 11:3, describes a crucial shift in the perception of the Israelites by the Egyptians immediately preceding the final plague and the Exodus. It states that "The Lord made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt by Pharaoh's officials and by the people." This indicates divine intervention that softened the hearts of the Egyptians, not necessarily out of love or newfound respect for the Israelites themselves, but perhaps out of a growing fear and awe of the God of Israel, whose power had been demonstrably displayed through the preceding plagues. This favor was not a reward for the Israelites' actions but a sovereign act of God to facilitate their departure, ensuring they would not leave empty-handed and that the Egyptians would readily grant their requests for provisions.

Context and Background

This verse is situated in the immediate aftermath of the ninth plague (darkness) and just before the tenth and final plague (the death of the firstborn). For weeks, the Egyptians had endured increasingly devastating plagues, each one a direct assault on their gods and their way of life, yet Pharaoh's heart remained hardened. The cumulative effect of these divine judgments, however, was beginning to wear down the Egyptians and their leadership. Prior to this point, the Egyptians had viewed the Israelites as a subjugated and even troublesome population. Now, facing the prospect of further divine wrath, their attitude shifts from oppression and indifference to a desire to be rid of the Israelites and their God's presence, and to appease them for their own safety and well-being.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Sovereignty and Providence: The verse clearly attributes this change in disposition to the direct action of "The Lord." This highlights God's absolute control over human hearts and circumstances, even those of His adversaries. He can, at His will, influence the attitudes and actions of individuals and entire nations to accomplish His purposes.
• Fear and Awe of God: The Egyptians' newfound favor is not born of genuine affection but likely stems from a profound fear and awe of the God of Israel, whose power they have witnessed firsthand. The plagues have revealed the impotence of their own deities and the overwhelming might of Yahweh.
• Facilitation of Redemption: This shift in Egyptian sentiment is a strategic move by God to ensure the successful liberation of His people. By making the Egyptians "favorably disposed," God ensures that the Israelites will be able to ask for and receive valuable possessions, fulfilling the prophecy of their departure with great wealth (Genesis 15:14).
• Prophetic Authority of Moses: The verse also specifically notes Moses' elevated status. This is a testament to his role as God's chosen messenger. His authority, initially dismissed, is now recognized and respected, even by Pharaoh's court, due to his unwavering obedience and the divine power he wields.

Spiritual Significance and Application

From a spiritual perspective, this verse speaks to the reality that God works in mysterious ways to bring about His redemptive plan. Even in the midst of oppression and conflict, God can orchestrate circumstances to bring about liberation. It reminds believers that God's power extends beyond the spiritual realm into the tangible world, influencing human affairs to fulfill His promises. For those who are suffering injustice, it offers hope that God can soften the hearts of oppressors or create pathways for escape and deliverance, often in ways that are unexpected. The respect accorded to Moses underscores the importance of obedience to God's call and the authority that comes from faithfully representing Him.

Relationship to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This event is a pivotal moment in the Exodus narrative, serving as the immediate precursor to the liberation of Israel from Egyptian bondage. It demonstrates God's consistent pattern of intervening in history to save His chosen people, a theme that runs throughout the Old and New Testaments. The Exodus itself is a foundational event, a type of God's ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ. The Egyptians' grudging compliance and the Israelites' departure with riches foreshadow the spiritual riches and freedom believers receive through Christ's sacrifice, often at the cost of worldly possessions or status.

Analogies

One analogy to understand this shift in the Egyptians' disposition is a natural disaster. Before a devastating earthquake or flood, people may be indifferent to the suffering of others. However, after witnessing the immense power and destructive force of such an event, a sense of shared vulnerability and a desire to help the affected may arise out of fear and a recognition of a greater power at play. Similarly, the plagues acted as divine "disasters" that instilled a healthy fear and respect in the Egyptians, prompting them to act in ways that facilitated the Israelites' departure.

Another analogy is the respect a student might develop for a teacher after witnessing their profound knowledge and authority displayed through challenging examinations or public lectures. Initially, the student might have been indifferent, but the overwhelming evidence of the teacher's competence compels respect and a willingness to listen.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 15:14: This verse directly fulfills God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be enslaved and then depart with great wealth: "But I will punish the nation they serve, and afterward they will come out with great possessions." Exodus 11:3 explains how this latter part of the prophecy is enabled.
• Psalm 105:37: This Psalm recounts the Exodus and explicitly mentions the wealth taken: "He brought out Israel, laden with silver and gold, and no one among the tribes faltered."
• Deuteronomy 4:34: This verse highlights God's powerful acts in bringing Israel out of Egypt: "Has any god ever tried to take for himself a nation out of another nation, by trials, by signs and wonders, by war and by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by great terror, as the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?" The Egyptians' fear is a testament to these "great terrors."
• Exodus 12:31-36: This passage details the immediate aftermath of the tenth plague, where Pharaoh, his officials, and all the Egyptians urged the Israelites to leave, giving them silver, gold, and clothing, directly demonstrating the "favorably disposed" attitude.
• Nehemiah 9:9-11: This prayer recounts God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, emphasizing God's awareness of their suffering and His intervention to "make your name known throughout the earth." The respect shown to Moses and the Israelites is part of God making His name known.