Board index ‹ The Exodus

[Ducky]

Did some Egyptians and non-Israelites get out of Egypt with the Israelites?

I think I remember some Egyptians and non-Israelites did get out of Egypt with the Israelites according to Exodus, the most famous one being Moses's father-in-law. Were there explanations on why they were also taken by God and the Israelites to join them? Did they they also need to be circumcised and observe Passover? Did they later become one of the 12 tribes?

[jimwalton]

Yes, some Egyptians and non-Israelites left Egypt with them (Ex. 12.38). They may have been the offspring of intermarriage between Israelites and Egyptians, they may have been other Semitic groups who were in Egypt (history tells us there were many Semitic groups in Egypt through the centuries), and they were probably also some Egyptians as well. It was "Whoever wants to come with us, get in the caravan!" We have no idea how many there were.

But this is another fulfillment of the prophecy God made to Abraham in Genesis 12.3: "All peoples on Earth will be blessed through you."

> the most famous one being Moses's father-in-law.

Jethro was Midianite, and there is no record of his ever having been in Egypt. Exodus 18 tells how he came from Midian to join the Israelites after they had left Egypt.

> Were there explanations on why they were also taken by God and the Israelites to join them?

There is no explanation, but we know from many OT Scriptures that the truth of YHWH and being part of His people was always available to and meant for all the nations. It was never supposed to be an "Israel only" thing, even though Israel was the covenant people and the group to and through whom God would reveal Himself.

> Did they they also need to be circumcised and observe Passover?

Exodus 12.43 says that any foreigner who wished to remain a foreigner was not to participate in the Passover. If a foreigner wanted to get circumcised and become part of the covenant people and then also to participate in the Passover, he was welcome to do that (Gn. 17.10-12).

> Did they later become one of the 12 tribes?

We can assume so.