The answer is: Jewels

Exo 3:21-22 / Exo 11:2-3 / Exo 12:35 - God had promised Abraham that when the Israelites left Egypt they would come out with great possessions.

The Israelites borrowing jewels from their neighbors is quite a fascinating detail in the grand narrative of Exodus. This event showcases not only a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham but also reflects the complexities of the liberation journey. In essence, these jewels represented more than just wealth; they signified reparations for decades of slavery and hard labor in Egypt. It's like the ultimate cosmic “payday” where finally, those who had suffered unjustly received a little recompense.

The three key verses you've highlighted play a pivotal role in that unfolding drama. Exodus 3:21-22 illustrates God's detailed planning, emphasizing that the wealth of the Egyptians would, in a sense, be transferred to the Israelites. Notably, it's also a reminder of God’s relationship with His people—how promises made long ago (Genesis 15:14) come to fruition in remarkable ways.

Ever wondered about those jewels' significance in biblical culture? Jewelry often signified power, status, and beauty throughout the ancient world. Additionally, clergy and royalty in later Hebrew history made substantial use of jewels in their garments, reinforcing their authority and connection to the divine.

Moreover, the act of borrowing vs. “stealing” hints at an interesting sociocultural element; it paved the way for their new identity as free individuals, taking back what was theirs all along. It's like the world’s eldest attention grabber for justice and transformation, urging us to reconsider what ownership means in respects to tradition and history.