Exodus 12:38 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds.

NIV: Many other people went up with them, and also large droves of livestock, both flocks and herds.

NASB: A mixed multitude also went up with them, along with flocks and herds, a very large number of livestock.

CSB: A mixed crowd also went up with them, along with a huge number of livestock, both flocks and herds.

NLT: A rabble of non-Israelites went with them, along with great flocks and herds of livestock.

KJV: And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.

NKJV: A mixed multitude went up with them also, and flocks and herds—a great deal of livestock.

This passage describes Israel's exit from Egypt (Exodus 12:37, 40–41). The Lord has made a clear distinction between His people and the people of Egypt (Exodus 8:22; 9:4, 7, 26; 10:22–23). The purpose of these many disasters (Exodus 3:19–20) has been freeing the Hebrews from slavery (Exodus 1:11–14). Yet here, we see a large number of non-Israelites coming along in the exodus.

In Scripture, God does not judge on the basis of ethnicity or ancestry. The nation of Israel is His chosen people (Deuteronomy 14:2). While that identity is hereditary from generation to generation, it is primarily about faith. Those Egyptians who saw supernatural signs (Exodus 8:19; 10:7) had an opportunity to submit to the One True God. Prominent examples of this inclusivity are Rahab (Joshua 6:25) and Ruth (Ruth 1:4; 4:10–12). Both are ethnic outsiders, and both become part of the family of Israel (Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31). When the Lord gave instructions for the Passover (Exodus 12:11–14), He was already including non-Jewish people in the plans (Exodus 12:19). Unassimilated peoples—"foreigners" (Exodus 12:43, 45)—are not part of this.

Israel also leaves with a large contingent of animals. God spared them from the horrific losses inflicted on Egypt (Exodus 9:6; 10:25). This will provide the people with transportation, muscle power, and food. These animals will also be crucial for sacrifices that must be offered under the upcoming covenant (Exodus 10:26).

Exodus 12:33–42 depicts the moment for which this book is named. This is the literal "exodus," or "exit" of Israel from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 1:8–14). After more than four centuries, Jacob's descendants are finally free (Genesis 47:5–6). After the horrific tenth plague (Exodus 12:29–32), the Egyptians want the Israelites gone as soon as possible. The former slaves quickly gather everything they own and leave in a single group. This event is remembered each year during the Jewish holiday of Passover.

Israel is to realign their calendar to begin with the current month. They receive instructions to prepare a special meal. This includes sacrificing lambs and applying their blood to the doorway of each home. Following these instructions will cause God's wrath to "pass over" that house. Egypt's firstborn are killed and they demand Israel leave immediately. The people quickly gather their belongings and march out in a single massive group. These events are to be remembered with festivals to be celebrated for all time.

Moses was sent to lead Israel into freedom (Exodus 3:10). This meant announcing the Lord's supernatural judgments on Egypt (Exodus 3:19–21). After nine such disasters (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23), a tenth was promised (Exodus 4:21–23; 11:4–6). In this chapter, God provides instructions for Israel to both survive and commemorate this first Passover night. Egypt reels from the death of its firstborn and demands Israel leave that very night. More directions about the future are to come (Exodus 13). Then Pharaoh will once again change his mind and confront the Hebrews on the shores of the Red Sea (Exodus 14).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.