Multitude; Mixed
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Multitude; Mixed in the Bible?
The term 'multitude' refers to a large gathering of people, and when qualified as 'mixed,' it describes a group composed of individuals from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, a characteristic often associated with the non-Israelite populations that accompanied the Exodus or settled in the land of Canaan.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the presence of a mixed multitude helps readers understand the complex social and religious dynamics in the biblical narrative, particularly regarding the challenges of maintaining distinct Israelite identity and the sources of idolatrous influence during the wilderness wanderings and the conquest of Canaan.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.