The Mixed Multitude and the Great Herds That Went Up From Egypt

"A mixed multitude went up also with them" (Exodus 12:38). "A mixed multitude went up with them": this teaches that converts and slaves went up with them, three times their own number [text uncertain]. "And also flocks and herds." I have here only flocks and herds. From where do I include camels and donkeys and horses? The text says, "a very great quantity of livestock." Likewise you say, "their kneading troughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders" (Exodus 12:34). Now did they not have the choice of what to carry and what not to carry? Rather this teaches that they cherished the commandment [of the unleavened dough so dearly that they bore it on their shoulders]. Likewise you say, "For you have wept in the ears of the LORD, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat?" (Numbers 11:18). Now did they not have the choice of what to eat and what not to eat? Rather this teaches that they craved to eat food gotten for free. Likewise you say, "Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle" (Numbers 32:1). One might think the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had this great quantity, but the rest of the tribes did not. Rather this teaches that these alone stretched out their hand to acquire it [and made it their concern].