שמות, פרק י״ב, פסוק ל״ח

The moment of the Exodus from Egypt was not an isolated event for the Israelites alone. As they marched to freedom, they were swept up by a massive wave of other groups joining their journey. The primary approach among commentators is that this accompanying crowd was a large, mixed mob of foreigners [שד״ל, ביאור יש״ר, קאסוטו]. Their exact identity, however, is a matter of debate. Many view them as ordinary Egyptian masses who decided to attach themselves to the Israelites [אבן עזרא, רש״י, מזרחי, משכיל לדוד]. Some of these individuals were opportunists seeking to take advantage of the sudden collapse of borders and laws in Egypt [ביאור שטיינזלץ], while others simply wanted a close view of the ongoing miracles [רלב״ג]. Another perspective suggests they were not complete strangers, but rather mixed families of Egyptians and Israelites who had intermarried long before the departure [שד״ל]. Alternatively, they may have been nomadic desert tribes who traveled with their flocks and simply merged with the departing nation [ביאור יש״ר]. A particularly unique tradition identifies this group as the great Egyptian magicians and sorcerers. Having witnessed the miracles firsthand, they recognized the undeniable greatness of God and sought to convert [הכתב והקבלה, שפתי כהן].

The inclusion of these outsiders raises the question of why Moses agreed to let them join. One reason is that he wanted them to witness God's wonders and spread the story of His glory among the nations [שפתי כהן]. On a deeper level, they served as a spiritual shield. Much like a tough peel protects the inner fruit, this mixed group acted as an outer layer that absorbed the punishments and hardships in the desert, thereby protecting the Israelites, who represented the pure fruit inside [שפתי כהן].

Despite their initial excitement to join God's people, these foreigners lacked true spiritual maturity. While the miracles humbled the Israelites and filled them with devotion, the mixed multitude eventually fell back into their old habits. Their lack of growth ultimately caused great suffering for the Israelites later in the journey [חומש קה״ת].

The departure also included massive amounts of sheep and cattle. The fact that the people are mentioned before the livestock is a deliberate choice reflecting the proper order of importance in life [רלב״ג, שד״ל]. Opinions differ regarding who actually owned these massive herds. Some maintain that the animals belonged to the Israelites, who took advantage of the chaotic period of the plagues to buy livestock from the Egyptians at deeply discounted prices [העמק דבר, שד״ל, קאסוטו]. Others argue that this vast wealth of animals belonged entirely to the foreign multitude, who brought all their possessions with them to live among the people of Israel [ספורנו, ביאור יש״ר, ביאור שטיינזלץ].