Exodus 11:1-3

The Israelites asked the Egyptians to give them the articles mentioned, not to lend them with a view to getting them back (Exodus 11:2). [Note: For a history of the interpretation of this controversial statement, see Yehuda T. Radday, "The Spoils of Egypt," Annual of the Swedish Theological Institute 12 (1983):127-47.] The Israelites received many such gifts from the Egyptians, enough to build the tabernacle, its furniture, furnishings, and utensils, as well as the priests’ garments. This reflects the respect and fear the Israelites enjoyed in Egypt following these plagues.

"The Egyptians thus are ’picked clean’ (Exodus 3:22 and Exodus 12:36) by Israel as a result of yet another action by Yahweh in behalf of his people, demonstrating the power of his Presence." [Note: Durham, p. 148.]