The Mixed Multitude

I.    Ex. 12:38 - And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.

A.    Some of these were Egyptians, and some of other nations that had resided in Egypt, and who, on various accounts, might choose to go along with the children of Israel;

1.      some through intermarriages with them, being loath to part with their relations, see #Lev. 20:10,

2.      others on account of religion, being proselytes of righteousness,

3.      and others through worldly interest, the land of Egypt being by the plagues a most desolate place; and such wonders being wrought for the children of Israel, they saw they were a people that were the favourites of heaven, and judged it safest and best and most for their interest to keep with them; the Targum of Jonathan computes the number of those to be two hundred and forty myriads: [1]

B.    It should be noted that God allowed this mixt multitude to travel with Israel.

1.      God allowed the mixt multitude to follow Israel, but it wasn’t God intention that Israel follow them.

2.      There is a mixt multitude all around us.

3.      Some will follow us.

4.      We need to be extremely careful that we don’t follow them, but that we follow God.

C.    Are you a part of the mixed multitude?

1.      Matt. 7:15-20 - Wolves in sheep clothing.

2.      Acts 20:28-30 - Grievous wolves in sheep clothing will destroy the local churches.

II.   Num. 11:4 - And the mixt 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?

A.  This mixt multitude fell a lusting after the people of Israel fell a lusting.

1.      The Israelites were a bad example to them, therefore they had trouble.

2.      If we will keep our eyes on Christ, the mixt multitude won’t give us very much trouble, as far as following Christ is concerned.

B.    It is interesting to note when the mixt multitude began to murmur against the Lord.

1.      It was after they left Mount Sinai.

2.      They had seen the great cloud of God on Mount Sinai, and had heard the voice of God speaking to them.

3.      All Israel had received the ten commandments from God.  (It was during this time that Israel had rebelled against God and Moses by building the golden calf, which Moses ground into power, strawed on the water and made the Israelites drink the water.)

4.      All the instructions for the tabernacle had been given.

5.      All Israel had willingly given offerings so the tabernacle could be built.

6.      All the order of worship as far as offerings, priests, and their particular jobs had been given.

7.      Israel had traveled a short distance (perhaps as long as three days), so everybody knew the system God established would work.

III.  Neh. 13:3 - Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.

Study Jude as the result of what these false teachers will do to a local church.