Many other people went up with them, as well as large droves of livestock, both flocks and herds. The mixed multitude that leaves Egypt with Israel is one of the most inclusive moments in the Exodus narrative. These are non-Israelites — Egyptians or other peoples living in Egypt — who have seen the plagues and the Passover and chosen to leave with Israel. Numbers 11:4 refers to this group as the rabble who craved other food, suggesting they later became a source of discontent. But their inclusion on the night of the Exodus is significant: the covenant community at its founding includes those who were not born into it but chose to join. Ruth 1:16 captures this spirit: where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay — the mixed multitude of the Exodus are Ruth's ancestors in faith.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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