The journey of the Israelites through the desert, following their miraculous exodus from Egypt, is a pivotal event in biblical history. This journey, which lasted forty years, is detailed primarily in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. A significant aspect of this journey is the presence of a "mixed multitude" that accompanied the Israelites as they departed from Egypt.

Biblical Account

The term "mixed multitude" is first mentioned in Exodus 12:38: "A mixed multitude also went up with them, along with flocks and herds, a great number of livestock" . This group consisted of non-Israelites who chose to join the Israelites in their exodus. The reasons for their departure with the Israelites are not explicitly stated, but it is likely that they were impressed by the power of the God of Israel, as demonstrated through the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, or they may have sought freedom from Egyptian oppression.

Composition and Role

The mixed multitude likely included Egyptians and other foreigners who had settled in Egypt. Their presence among the Israelites is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the inclusive nature of God's deliverance, extending beyond ethnic Israel to those who align themselves with His people. Secondly, the mixed multitude serves as a reminder of the diverse composition of God's followers, even in the Old Testament.

Challenges and Issues

The presence of the mixed multitude, however, was not without challenges. In Numbers 11:4, the mixed multitude is mentioned again in the context of causing discontent among the Israelites: "Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, 'Who will feed us meat?'" . This passage suggests that the mixed multitude may have been a source of murmuring and rebellion, influencing the Israelites to complain against God's provision.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the inclusion of the mixed multitude in the exodus narrative underscores the theme of God's universal call to salvation. It foreshadows the New Testament revelation that God's covenant is open to all who believe, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. The mixed multitude's journey with Israel through the desert serves as an early indication of God's plan to bless all nations through His chosen people.

Covenantal Participation

Despite the challenges, the mixed multitude was expected to adhere to the same covenantal laws as the Israelites. In Exodus 12:49, God commands, "The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you" . This inclusion in the covenantal community required them to participate in the Passover and other religious observances, signifying their full integration into the life and faith of Israel.

Historical and Cultural Context

Historically, the presence of a mixed multitude reflects the cultural and social dynamics of ancient Egypt, a land that was a melting pot of various peoples due to its position as a center of trade and power. The decision of these individuals to join the Israelites highlights the impact of God's mighty acts on the surrounding nations and the attractiveness of the covenant community.

In summary, the journey of Israel through the desert, accompanied by a mixed multitude, is a multifaceted narrative that highlights God's inclusive plan of salvation, the challenges of maintaining covenant faithfulness, and the diverse nature of the community of believers.Exodus 12:38
And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 11:4
And the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... here, and also of the children of Israel who had ... way led him across the Jordan through
the desert of ... maidservants the necessary orders for their journey to the ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

Canaan
... needed was to go a short journey of three days ... to the Philistines, and was crowned
King of Israel. ... Similar itinerant ironsmiths wandered through Europe in the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... through two or three of them in a day's journey.**. ... prevailing tradition in the kingdom
of Israel, the latter ... fashion ran even in ancient Syria through as many ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... and leopards, rendered the route through them dangerous ... surprise among their
contemporaries: a journey from Lagash ... a continuation of the Arabian desert, and is ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... the safety of the caravans in the desert regions nearest ... bridges, he set out on his
return journey by the ... suddenly parted, and in the distance, through a vista ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Mystery
... while she was preparing to take her journey into the ... in his writings, and unwritten
declarations, through whom every ... the glory of the God of Israel) was like ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... lost sheep of the house of Israel." So strong ... an affectionate adieu, and pursued
his journey toward Upper ... In the Nashville district also, through the agency of ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... that they are departed thence, the desert shall rejoice ... in the manhood, shewing clearly
there through the infinite ... Go, prophesy unto my people Israel" (Amos 7 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

A Discourse
... was well placed there, to save a long journey to the ... blood also been spilt on both
sides, through the confidence ... as it were, on the borders of Israel, and so ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... and the difficulties of the long journey were the ... They did not indeed speak as Israel
did, [4404] for ... of the priesthood, to blaze forth, through the single ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

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