What can we learn about God's provision from "sons of Israel among others"? The Verse At A Glance “A mixed multitude also went up with them, along with flocks and herds—a very large number of livestock.” – Exodus 12:38 Historical Snapshot • The night of the first Passover, judgment fell on Egypt while every home marked by lamb’s blood was spared (Exodus 12:13). • When dawn broke, Israel departed, and the text notes “a mixed multitude” left with them—non-Israelites who had witnessed God’s power and trusted His word enough to walk out under the same blood covering. • They carried wealth, animals, and supplies God had already moved the Egyptians to hand over (Exodus 12:35-36). What God’s Provision Looks Like • Provision embraces outsiders – God’s rescue was wide enough for anyone willing to identify with the covenant people. – Later examples echo this pattern: Rahab (Joshua 6:25), Ruth (Ruth 2:11-12), and the Ninevites (Jonah 3:5-10). • Provision meets physical needs in advance – Livestock and goods went with them before the wilderness journey even began. – Philippians 4:19: “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” • Provision accompanies obedience – Israel followed God’s explicit Passover instructions; the blessing arrived in the very act of obedience (Exodus 12:28, 50-51). • Provision displays God’s generosity, not Israel’s merit – Deuteronomy 7:7-8 stresses that the LORD chose Israel because of His love, not their size or strength. • Provision points ahead to Christ – Just as the lamb’s blood shielded households, Jesus—the true Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7)—makes room for “whoever believes” (John 3:16), Jew or Gentile alike (Ephesians 2:13-19). Patterns of Provision Re-affirmed in Scripture • Sustenance in the wilderness: manna and water (Exodus 16:35; 17:6). • Victory in impossible battles: Red Sea (Exodus 14:13-14) and Jericho (Joshua 6:20). • Spiritual provision: the Bread of Life offered to crowds “about five thousand men, besides women and children” (Matthew 14:21), echoing the “mixed multitude.” • Eternal provision: an innumerable multitude from every nation standing before the throne (Revelation 7:9-10). Living in the Light of This Verse • Expect God to provide beyond ethnic, social, or cultural boundaries; His grace is lavish and inclusive. • Recognize that His supply often arrives before we know we will need it. • Walk in obedience; provision is tied to trust. • Remember the ultimate provision is salvation through the blood of the Lamb—available to all who will apply it and set out on the journey with Him. |
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