Topical Encyclopedia The term "rabble" in the context of the Bible often refers to a disorderly crowd or a group of people who incite unrest or rebellion. This term is used to describe those who stir up dissent and cause disruption among the people of God. The concept of the rabble is significant in understanding the challenges faced by the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.Biblical References: 1. Numbers 11:4 : "Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, 'Who will feed us meat?'" In this passage, the "rabble" refers to a mixed multitude that accompanied the Israelites out of Egypt. This group, not fully committed to the covenant with Yahweh, began to express dissatisfaction with the manna provided by God, longing instead for the foods of Egypt. Their complaints spread discontent among the Israelites, leading to a communal lament and a challenge to Moses' leadership. 2. Exodus 12:38 : "A mixed multitude also went up with them, along with flocks and herds, a great number of livestock." The "mixed multitude" mentioned here is often identified as the rabble in later texts. This group consisted of non-Israelites who joined the exodus, possibly due to witnessing the power of God through the plagues or seeking freedom from Egyptian oppression. Their presence among the Israelites would later become a source of temptation and rebellion. Theological Implications: The presence of the rabble among the Israelites serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of external influences and internal discontent. The rabble's craving for the comforts of Egypt symbolizes a lack of faith and trust in God's provision. Their influence highlights the importance of spiritual purity and the need for the community of believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to God's commands. The rabble's actions also underscore the challenges of leadership in maintaining unity and faithfulness among God's people. Moses, as the leader, faced significant trials in addressing the complaints and rebellion incited by the rabble. This narrative illustrates the need for strong, godly leadership to guide the community through periods of doubt and temptation. Historical Context: The rabble's presence among the Israelites reflects the diverse composition of the group that left Egypt. This diversity brought both opportunities for witness and challenges in maintaining a unified identity as God's chosen people. The rabble's influence is a reminder of the constant tension between the call to holiness and the allure of worldly desires. Moral and Ethical Lessons: The account of the rabble teaches believers about the importance of contentment and gratitude for God's provision. It warns against the dangers of longing for the past and the temptation to compromise one's faith for temporary pleasures. The narrative encourages believers to trust in God's plan and to resist the influence of those who would lead them away from His will. In summary, the concept of the rabble in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance in maintaining faithfulness to God amidst external pressures and internal struggles. It calls believers to a deeper reliance on God's provision and a commitment to His covenant. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An iron bar, with the end bent, used in stirring or skimming molten iron in the process of puddling.2. (v. t.) To stir or skim with a rabble, as molten iron. 3. (v. i.) To speak in a confused manner. 4. (n.) A tumultuous crowd of vulgar, noisy people; a mob; a confused, disorderly throng. 5. (n.) A confused, incoherent discourse; a medley of voices; a chatter. 6. (a.) of or pertaining to a rabble; like, or suited to, a rabble; disorderly; vulgar. 7. (v. t.) To insult, or assault, by a mob; to mob; as, to rabble a curate. 8. (v. t.) To utter glibly and incoherently; to mouth without intelligence. 9. (v. t.) To rumple; to crumple. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia RABBLErab'-l: This word is not found in the King James Version. the Revised Version (British and American) has it once as the translation of agoraios (literally, "lounger in the market place"), in Acts 17:5, where it replaces "baser sort" of the King James Version. It has the common meaning of an unruly, lawless set who are ready to join a mob. Greek 1218. demos -- a district or country, the common people, esp. the ... ... Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: demos Phonetic Spelling: (day'-mos) Short Definition: the people, multitude, rabble Definition: properly: ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1218.htm - 7k 3793. ochlos -- a crowd, multitude, the common people Strong's Hebrew 628. asaphsuph -- a collection, rabble... 627, 628. asaphsuph. 629 . a collection, rabble. Transliteration: asaphsuph Phonetic Spelling: (as-pes-oof') Short Definition: rabble. ... /hebrew/628.htm - 6k Library The Fear Felt by the Inhabitants of Jerusalem. Wesley Interviews Mrs. Pilkington The Procession of Amen Heaven and Hell This is the Reason, Then, Why Christians are Counted Public ... Wider Wooing. Yielding to Arrest. The Egyptian, who is Mentioned Also in the Acts of the Apostles. Wesley Protests against Lawlessness Innocent Alypius, Being Apprehended as a Thief, is Set at Liberty ... Thesaurus Rabble (7 Occurrences)... 2. (vt) To stir or skim with a rabble, as molten iron. ... 6. (a.) of or pertaining to a rabble; like, or suited to, a rabble; disorderly; vulgar. ... /r/rabble.htm - 9k Lewd (37 Occurrences) Lowest (28 Occurrences) Greedy (24 Occurrences) Rabboni (2 Occurrences) Rabbith (1 Occurrence) Ramps (8 Occurrences) Rout (6 Occurrences) Entangle (7 Occurrences) Mob (8 Occurrences) Resources Who was Demetrius in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Theudas in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Galileans in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Rabble: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Rabble (7 Occurrences)John 7:49 Acts 17:5 Exodus 12:38 Numbers 11:4 Job 30:12 Jeremiah 50:37 Ezekiel 23:42 Subtopics Related Terms |