You’d think they'd be throwing stones, not gifts. But the story, as it's told, is far more nuanced, and frankly, a little bit strange.

According to Ginzberg's retelling in Legends of the Jews, the Egyptians' hatred didn't just vanish – it transformed. It flipped, becoming something akin to affection and friendship. Imagine that! After generations of enslavement, suddenly, it's all "Here, take this jewelry! Safe travels!"

They practically forced clothing, silver, and gold upon the departing Israelites. It's almost comical, isn't it? And here's a detail that makes it even more eyebrow-raising: the Israelites hadn't even returned the things they had borrowed earlier! You know, that old trick. I can almost hear my grandmother saying, "They left with more than they came with!"

So, what's going on here? Why the sudden generosity?

Legends of the Jews suggests a rather cynical explanation. It wasn't genuine goodwill, not really. It was about appearances. The Egyptians, particularly Pharaoh, were deeply concerned with their image. They wanted the world to think they were incredibly wealthy. What better way to show off than to have their former slaves parade through the desert dripping in gold and jewels? Talk about a flex.

Think about it: "Look how rich we are," they’d be saying without saying. "Even our slaves are loaded!"

The sheer amount of wealth the Israelites carried away was staggering. So much so, that, according to the text, one Israelite alone could have covered the entire cost of building and furnishing the Mishkan, the Tabernacle – the portable sanctuary that would house the Ark of the Covenant. It makes you wonder about the scale of Egyptian opulence, doesn’t it? And maybe the true cost of slavery.

It's a fascinating glimpse into the psychology of power, isn't it? The Egyptians, even in defeat, needed to maintain the illusion of superiority. And the Israelites, well, they walked away with a little bit of vindication, and a whole lot of gold. A bittersweet departure, perhaps? One filled with complexity and a healthy dose of ancient political maneuvering.

What does this story tell us about appearances versus reality? About how societies try to manage their image, even when things are falling apart? And about the enduring power of storytelling to reveal the hidden motivations behind even the most seemingly generous acts? It’s a lot to think about, and it's a reminder that history, like human nature, is rarely simple.