The Mixed Multitude

Our Scripture is Exodus 12:38:

A mixed multitude also went up with [the Israelites], and flocks and herds—a very large number of cattle (NET).

Israel's Egyptian experience began with this, "They set a place for [Joseph], a separate place for his brothers, and another for the Egyptians who were eating with him. (The Egyptians cannot eat with Hebrews, for the Egyptians think it is disgusting to do so) (Genesis 43:32 NET).

Racism! That is how the Israelites were received in Egypt. They were not to tell Pharaoh that they were shepherds because such an occupation was detestable there (46:34). Eventually, they became slaves. Egyptian disgust of the Israelites gave way to attempted genocide.

So, when Israel leaves Egypt, we read that 'a mixed multitude' left with them. The NET footnote explains, "The "mixed multitude" refers to a great "swarm" of folk who joined the Israelites, people who were impressed by the defeat of Egypt, who came to faith, or who just wanted to escape Egypt (maybe slaves or descendants of the Hyksos).

We are allowed to wonder how the Israelites would treat these folks, later referred to as rabble (Numbers 11:4). Would the Israelites now act like the Egyptians? Would they treat the 'mixed multitude' like Egypt treated them?

All these people are gathered at Mount Sinai when the Lord gives his commandments forming them into his people. Included is this instruction regarding the Sabbath day, "On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns" (Exodus 20:10). They were all equal before God. They were all given time to rest – to be human – to take joy in life and the gracious gifts of God. Israel was not to be Egypt.

The wonder of the people of God in the Old Testament is the marvel of transformation whereby "not a people" became "God's people" (see 1 Peter 2:10), Jews and Gentiles. In Revelation, there is a great multitude gathered around God's throne, a multitude from every nation (7:9). The gathering of this crowd begins with Sabbath.

The Heidelberg Catechism offers this explanation of the Sabbath law, "that every day of my life I rest from my evil ways, let the Lord work in me through his Spirit, and so begin already in this life the eternal Sabbath". Surely, racism is one of the evil ways we must put aside.

When you gather with your Christian community is there evidence of this crowd? What attitudes do you hold that keep your community uniform? Let's allow the Spirit to probe our attitudes about other people so that we can set aside any pride that gives us superior attitudes "and so begin already in this life the eternal Sabbath".

As you journey on, hear Jesus' invitation:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-29).