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I. THE CHARACTER OF THIS MIXED MULTITUDE. Some, perhaps, were mere idolaters; others had outwardly renounced their superstitions. Some might be connected in marriage with the sons or daughters of Israel; for such are mentioned: and some, perhaps, were a thoughtless rabble, whom curiosity had called from their homes, that they might go three days' journey with the people, to sacrifice to the Lord in the wilderness.

1. With such a view of the mixed multitude, we may reasonably imagine that they had a very imperfect knowledge of the God of Israel.

2. This mixed multitude had been induced to follow Israel, probably because they had seen the miraculous interpositions of God in behalf of His people, and wished to partake of them.

3. Others, again, had probably accompanied the Israelites in unreflecting carelessness, without anticipating the difficulties and trials before them.

4. The mixed multitude seem never to have entirely united themselves to the community of Israel.

II. THEIR CONDUCT IN THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION. The passage in the book of Numbers informs us that they fell a lusting. We know not the peculiar nature of the trials to which they were exposed; but we find them soon yielding to the power of temptation, and the love of sin.

1. They speedily became discontented with their condition.

2. The inspired penman speaks no more of this mixed multitude; and therefore we are justified in supposing that they who escaped the fire of the Lord, quitted the camp of Israel, and returned to Egypt. In that mixed multitude which throng around the Church of the living God, and profess communion with it, there are, I fear, not a few who sin after the similitude of the transgression committed in the wilderness.

( C. H. Spurgeon.)

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KJV: And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.

WEB: The children of Israel traveled from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot who were men, besides children.