© Charles Chandler

 

Exodus 3

 

21 And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty, 22 but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing.

Exodus 11

 

2 (J) Speak now in the hearing of the people, that they ask, every man of his neighbor and every woman of her neighbor, for silver and gold jewelry."

Exodus 12

 

35 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.

First, these weren't slaves — only free citizens, and wealthy ones at that, have silver & gold.

 

Second, the people didn't know that they were leaving for good, because if they did, they wouldn't have needed to be told to bring all of their wealth.

 

Third, it sounds like Horemheb wanted to liberate everybody of their wealth, including the ones who stayed behind, but who were close enough to those leaving to trust them.