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"), inActs 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:
...3793. ochlos -- a crowd, multitude, the common people
... From a derivative of echo (meaning a vehicle); a throng (as borne along); by
implication, therabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot...
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.
...Library
The Fear Felt by the Inhabitants of Jerusalem.
... and contemplated the appearance of the sky from that terrace upon which Herod was
standing when he delivered up Jesus to be insulted by the infuriatedrabble....
Wesley Interviews Mrs. Pilkington
... A few of therabble gathered at a distance; but by little and little they drew near
and mixed with the congregation; I have seldom seen a more quiet and...
The Procession of Amen
... The feelings of therabble were now in a state sufficiently warlike to make them
forget their ancient respect for class and turn savagely upon him, should he...
Heaven and Hell
... the low? I have been accused of getting all therabble of London around
me. God bless therabble! God save therabble! then, say...
This is the Reason, Then, Why Christians are Counted Public...
... But this is therabble, you say; yet, as therabble, they still are Romans, and
none more frequently than they demand the death of Christians....
Wider Wooing.
... Now the trailers of hate come seeking with torch and lantern, soldiers and officers,
chief priests and rulers, the ever presentrabble, and in the lead the...
Yielding to Arrest.
... There is a greatrabble that the chief priests had drummed up, a cityrabble with
Roman soldiers, some of the chief priests' circle, and in the lead of all...
The Egyptian, who is Mentioned Also in the Acts of the Apostles.
... the two accounts by supposing the Egyptian to have brought a large following of
robbers from the desert, which was augmented by a greatrabble from Jerusalem...
Wesley Protests against Lawlessness
... "Sir,"Yesterday between twelve and one o'clock, while I was speaking to some quiet
people without any noise or tumult, a drunkenrabble came with clubs and...
Innocent Alypius, Being Apprehended as a Thief, is Set at Liberty...
... once, he took him aside by the hand, and inquiring of him the cause of so great
a misfortune, heard the whole affair, and commanded all therabble then present...
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.
...Lewd (37 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Obscene; lustful; lascivious; indecent. 2. (superl.) Belonging to the
lower classes, or therabble; idle and lawless; bad; vicious....
Lowest (28 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:5 But the Jews having been stirred up to jealousy, and taken to themselves
certain wicked men of the lowestrabble, and having got a crowd together...
Greedy (24 Occurrences)
... Numbers 11:4 And therabble who 'are' in its midst have lusted greatly, and the
sons of Israel also turn back and weep, and say, 'Who doth give us flesh?...
Rabboni (2 Occurrences)
Rabbith (1 Occurrence)
Ramps (8 Occurrences)
... Ramps (8 Occurrences). Job 30:12 On my right hand rise therabble. They thrust aside
my feet, They cast up against me their ways of destruction. (See NIV)....
Rout (6 Occurrences)
... company or throng. 6. (n.) A disorderly and tumultuous crowd; a mob; hence,
therabble; the herd of common people. 7. (n.) The state...
Entangle (7 Occurrences)
... Job 30:12 Upon my right hand rise therabble; They thrust aside my feet, And
they cast up against me their ways of destruction. (See JPS)....
Mob (8 Occurrences)
... lowest part of it. 4. (n.) A throng; arabble; esp., an unlawful or riotous
assembly; a disorderly crowd. 5. (vt) To crowd about...
Resources
Who was Demetrius in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Theudas in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Galileans in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgRabble: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
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