Mixed multitude

The mixed multitude (Hebrew erev rav, literally a great mixture) refers to the non-Israelite population that left Egypt alongside the Israelites at the Exodus (Ex. 12:38). These were likely Egyptians of lower social standing, descendants of the Hyksos, enslaved peoples of other nationalities, or others who attached themselves to the departing Hebrews out of fear or opportunity. Their presence became a source of spiritual danger in the wilderness: Numbers 11:4 attributes the craving for meat that sparked the Israelites' murmuring partly to the "rabble" or mixed multitude. Their appetite for Egyptian food undermined confidence in God's provision. In the post-exilic period, Nehemiah separated the mixed multitude from the assembly of Israel as part of the covenant renewal (Neh. 13:3), reflecting the ongoing concern to maintain the distinctiveness of the covenant community from surrounding peoples.