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It says in Exodus 12:38:
"A mixed multitude went up with them also, and flocks and herds—a great deal of livestock."
Do any Scriptural or other sources say what this mixed multitude was composed of? The original Hebrew says "ereb" per Strong's Concordance, but there aren't any specifics mentioned at all.
In Ex 12:38, the word translated "mixed" is עֵרֶב (ereb) which occurs about 15 times in the OT. It is used in several ways:
It appears that following the series of miracles that God performed in Egypt, many locals, Egyptians and others, decided to leave with the Israelites and joint them in their trek to Worship the God of heaven and earth. This had been going on for several generation previously.
When Jacob entered Egypt, his family numbered 75 people (Acts 7:14, Ex 1:5). Some of these were not direct descendants of Abraham such as the wives of the 12 patriarchs, notably Joseph’s own wife. 215 years and four generations later at the exodus, Israel’s army had over 600,000 men excluding women and children, (Ex 12:37, Num 1:46, etc) suggesting a total population of several million people, requiring many additions. This included a significant mixed multitude (Ex 12:38) showing that Israel obviously consisted of many non-biological Jews had joined. (Note that it is biologically impossible for Israelite numbers to have grown from 75 to several million biologically without many outside additions.)
Indeed, the Old Testament contains many examples of foreigners becoming part of Israel, indicating that the Israelite Covenant was open to all and was never exclusive. For example:
Thus, it is abundantly clear that membership of Israel was always open to all and voluntary. See also “Pagan Salvation” for the logical extension of this idea. The distinction between a biological Jew/Israelite and a convert becomes extremely blurred if meaningful at all.
CONCLUSION
Thus, the Mixed multitude that left Egypt with Israel consisted of those who had been impressed with God's power and the religion of the Israelites and wished to leave Egypt behind.
Some of these foreigners are not foreigners. Example Abraham had sons after Sarah's death. Midianite was Abrahams Son by Keturah Gen 25:2, 6
Moabite was Lots son by one of his daughters, when they fled Sodom
Noah son Ham had Canaan who Noah put a cures on that had Heth (gr grandson to Noah) Gen 10.
Some believe because Abraham Paid King Melchezadack Tithe, that this was a name given to Shem Noahs Oldest Son, which Abraham knew.
So Canaanites are Ham's Son.
These people many were distant cousins.
Further, Joseph was sold into slavery at 17, he was not interpreting dream until he was 28, and that meant they had 7 yrs of plenty so that makes Joseph at least 35-36 when he mets up with his brothers 3 trips from Israel to Egypt. The 75 were 11 brothers, Jacob, Rachel, Leah (which were Lemech daughters who was Rebecca's brother- so Rachel and Leah are first cousins to Jacob.
Then two handmaids which may also have been relatives. And 11 brothers had wives from their kindsmen. (Without any grand children that is 37) if they had 12 kids each... it is not hard to see where in 18 yrs Jacob had 75 & that is not including Joesph that already was in Egypt.
Further I do think there was more then 218 yrs. I think it was 430 yrs. 4 generations when they live 120 yrs. and Moses was 80 when he came back to get the Israelites. We know he was about 120 yrs old when he was taken to heaven.
