Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.
Ver. 3. Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law] And were transformed into the same image therewith, by the Spirit of grace, who had made their flinty hearts to become fleshy, &c. We used to say, As hard hearted as a Jew. But they that relent not, repent not at the hearing of the word, are worse than these Jews; and it may be feared that the Lord hath a purpose to destroy them. "The law of the Lord," when but read only, "is perfect, converting the soul," Psalms 19:7, but woe to the irreformable, 2 Corinthians 4:4 .
That they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude] Vulgus promiscuum, the rabble of strangers, wherewith this people were haunted and pestered from the very first, Exo 12:38 Numbers 11:4. These, moved with miracles, removed with them out of Egypt, but for a mischief to them, for they drew them into sin then, as those here did also; and were, therefore, worthily put away, as the law required.