share torah logo

Exodus 12:38 - Who joined Israel's Exodus?

Exodus 12:38 - שמות 12:38

Hebrew Text

וְגַם־עֵרֶב רַב עָלָה אִתָּם וְצֹאן וּבָקָר מִקְנֶה כָּבֵד מְאֹד׃

English Translation

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

Transliteration

Vegam-erev rav ala itam vetzon uvakar mikne kaved meod.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְגַם־עֵ֥רֶב רַ֖ב עָלָ֣ה אִתָּ֑ם וְצֹ֣אן וּבָקָ֔ר מִקְנֶ֖ה כָּבֵ֥ד מְאֹֽד׃
וְגַם־עֵ֥רֶב רַ֖ב עָלָ֣ה אִתָּ֑ם וְצֹ֣אן וּבָקָ֔ר מִקְנֶ֖ה כָּבֵ֥ד מְאֹֽד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Mixed Multitude (Erev Rav)

The verse states: "And a mixed multitude went up also with them" (Exodus 12:38). Rashi explains that the Erev Rav ("mixed multitude") refers to non-Israelites who joined the Jewish people during the Exodus from Egypt. These individuals were a diverse group of Egyptians and other nations who were inspired by the miracles they witnessed and chose to accompany Bnei Yisrael.

Motivations of the Erev Rav

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 18:10) discusses the mixed multitude's motivations. Some commentaries suggest they joined out of sincere belief in Hashem, while others suggest their intentions were less pure—perhaps seeking material benefit or fearing the plagues. The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that their presence later caused difficulties, such as during the sin of the Golden Calf (Exodus 32), implying that their conversion was not entirely sincere.

The Flocks and Herds

The verse continues: "and flocks, and herds, very much cattle." Rashi explains that the Israelites left Egypt with great wealth, fulfilling Hashem’s promise to Avraham (Genesis 15:14) that they would depart with r’chus gadol ("great possessions"). The Ibn Ezra adds that the Egyptians willingly gave their livestock to the Israelites, either out of fear or as compensation for their years of unpaid labor.

Lessons from the Erev Rav

  • Caution in Conversion: The Talmud (Yevamot 24b) teaches the importance of discerning sincere converts, as the Erev Rav later caused strife.
  • Divine Providence: Despite their presence, Hashem allowed them to join, teaching that even those with imperfect intentions may still have a role in Jewish history.
  • Material Blessings: The abundance of livestock underscores that the Exodus was not only a spiritual redemption but also included physical prosperity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 75a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the manna that fell for the Israelites in the wilderness, noting that the 'mixed multitude' (erev rav) also benefited from it.
📖 Sotah 12a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the Exodus and the diverse group of people who left Egypt with the Israelites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were the 'mixed multitude' (erev rav) that left Egypt with the Israelites?
A: The 'mixed multitude' (erev rav) refers to non-Israelites who joined the Jewish people during the Exodus from Egypt. Rashi explains that these were people from various nations who were inspired by the miracles they witnessed and chose to join the Israelites. However, our tradition teaches that this group later caused problems, including instigating the sin of the Golden Calf.
Q: Why does the Torah mention the large amount of livestock the Israelites took from Egypt?
A: The Torah mentions the large amount of livestock to show how Hashem fulfilled His promise to Avraham that his descendants would leave Egypt with great wealth (Genesis 15:14). The Ramban explains that this wealth later helped in building the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and showed Egypt's complete defeat, as they lost both their slave labor and their possessions.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the 'mixed multitude' joining the Israelites?
A: The story teaches us about both the positive potential and challenges of converts joining the Jewish people. While we welcome sincere converts (gerim tzedek), the Torah shows that those who join without complete commitment can sometimes create difficulties. The Midrash teaches that this episode reminds us to properly educate and integrate those who join our nation.
Q: How could the Israelites have so many animals after being slaves in Egypt?
A: The Ibn Ezra explains that the Israelites acquired these animals in two ways: 1) From what they earned during their slavery, and 2) From the Egyptians who willingly gave them animals and wealth before they left, as described earlier in Exodus (12:35-36). This was part of Hashem's plan to compensate them for their years of servitude.
Q: Why is this verse important in understanding the Exodus story?
A: This verse is important because it shows the complete picture of who left Egypt and how Hashem's promises were fulfilled. It introduces the concept of non-Israelites joining the Jewish nation and demonstrates that the Israelites left as a wealthy, independent people - not as escaping slaves. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 103b) notes that this wealth became a test for the Israelites in the desert.