Who made up the mixed multitude that left Egypt with the Israelites?
The mixed multitude that departed Egypt with Israel was composed largely of Egyptians and various other groups who attached themselves to the Israelites at that time. This mixed company contributed to the total number leaving Egypt and helps explain why estimates of the Exodus population can reach from three million up to seven million.
Les explains that when calculating the large number of Israelites who left Egypt, we must account for the mixed multitude that went out with them. He suggests this group was probably made up of many Egyptians and various other peoples who were hanging on to Israel at that time. This helps explain why he can estimate the total Exodus group at three to three-and-a-half million, or even up to seven million.