שמות, פרק ג׳, פסוק כ״א

God's promise of redemption goes far beyond mere physical release from slavery. It guarantees a dramatic transformation in how the oppressors view the oppressed, ensuring a dignified and wealthy exit that fulfills the Covenant of the Pieces [קאסוטו]. The deep hatred the Egyptians harbored toward the Israelites was never a natural sentiment, but rather an artificial hostility stoked by the ruling authorities [רש״ר הירש]. Because of this, God promises a miraculous reversal of ordinary human nature. Instead of treating the Israelites as despised enemies, the Egyptians will actively appease them and offer up their own wealth [אבן עזרא]. Ultimately, the two nations will part ways as friends rather than bitter adversaries [קאסוטו]. Because the redemption had been delayed and the cruel decrees only intensified over time, God found it necessary to reiterate this comforting promise right before the actual Exodus [העמק דבר].

This impending departure is designed to be absolute and permanent, with no intention of the Israelites ever returning to the land of their affliction [הכתב והקבלה]. Their journey out of Egypt will also transcend natural human limits, as they will be miraculously carried forth by clouds of glory rather than relying solely on their own physical strength [שפתי כהן]. However, this physical exit demands a parallel spiritual detachment. To truly leave, the Israelites must cast aside the Egyptian idols and pagan practices they had adopted during their long exile [קיצור בעל הטורים].

A central feature of this dignified exit is the divine guarantee that the Israelites will not leave empty-handed [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Commentators offer different perspectives on the nature of this wealth. One view suggests that the Israelites owned fields, homes, and significant property in Egypt, and they naturally feared their former masters would loot their assets once they fled. Thus, God assures them they will retain their rightful belongings [מלבי״ם]. Another perspective views this wealth as back pay, ensuring they receive proper compensation for their many years of brutal, unrewarded labor [הכתב והקבלה].

The primary approach among commentators, however, is that this promise extends far beyond protecting existing assets or providing basic wages; it is an assurance of abundant new gifts [שד״ל]. This dynamic closely mirrors the biblical Commandment regarding a freed Hebrew slave, where a master is obligated to provide a generous severance. Just as a released slave is granted three distinct types of gifts, the Israelites will be given silver, gold, and clothing by the Egyptians. Through this final act of enrichment, God perfectly fulfills His ancient promise to Abraham that his descendants would ultimately leave their oppression with great wealth [אור החיים, חזקוני, שד״ל].