The author is here referring to pagan Gentiles and not to other Jews.1 We are thus meant to recall the events surrounding the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12:35–36).2 Whereas with the exodus the Egyptians were reluctant to help, the pagans in Babylon are willing and eager. God rules over world politics for the benefit of his people.3
6 And all who were about them aided them with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, with beasts, and with costly wares, besides all that was freely offered.