Topical Encyclopedia
Etymology and MeaningThe name "Mahalath" is derived from the Hebrew root "mahal," which means "to make sick" or "to be weak." It is often interpreted as "sickness" or "a harp," depending on the context in which it is used. The name appears in the Old Testament in two distinct contexts, each with its own significance.
Mahalath as a Person1.
Mahalath, the Wife of Esau: Mahalath is mentioned in
Genesis 28:9 as one of the wives of Esau, the son of Isaac and Rebekah. She is identified as the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, and the sister of Nebaioth. This marriage is significant as it represents Esau's attempt to align himself with the Abrahamic covenant through his uncle Ishmael's lineage, after realizing that his Canaanite wives displeased his parents, Isaac and Rebekah. The Berean Standard Bible states: "So Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had" (
Genesis 28:9).
2.
Mahalath, the Daughter of Jerimoth: In
2 Chronicles 11:18, Mahalath is mentioned as the daughter of Jerimoth, a son of David, and Abihail, the daughter of Eliab, the son of Jesse. She became the wife of Rehoboam, Solomon's son and successor. This marriage is part of the complex family dynamics and political alliances within the Davidic line. The text reads: "Rehoboam married Mahalath, the daughter of David’s son Jerimoth and of Abihail, the daughter of Jesse’s son Eliab" (
2 Chronicles 11:18).
Mahalath in the PsalmsThe term "Mahalath" also appears in the titles of two Psalms, specifically
Psalm 53 and
Psalm 88. In these instances, "Mahalath" is believed to refer to a musical term or tune, possibly indicating the style or mood in which the Psalm was to be performed. The exact meaning of "Mahalath" in this context is uncertain, but it is often associated with themes of lament or penitence, consistent with the somber tone of these Psalms.
·
Psalm 53: The title of this Psalm in the Berean Standard Bible reads: "For the choirmaster. According to Mahalath. A Maskil of David." This Psalm is a reflection on the folly and corruption of humanity, echoing themes found in
Psalm 14.
·
Psalm 88: The title of this Psalm includes: "A song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. For the choirmaster. According to Mahalath Leannoth. A Maskil of Heman the Ezrahite."
Psalm 88 is one of the most somber and despairing Psalms, expressing deep anguish and a sense of abandonment.
Theological SignificanceThe use of the name Mahalath in both genealogical and liturgical contexts highlights the multifaceted nature of biblical names and terms. As a person, Mahalath represents the interconnectedness of the Abrahamic family and the complexities of biblical marriages. As a musical term, it underscores the rich tradition of Hebrew worship and the emotional depth of the Psalms. The presence of Mahalath in these diverse contexts invites reflection on the themes of covenant, worship, and the human condition as presented in the biblical narrative.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Mahalath(stringed instrument), the daughter of Ishmael, and one of the wives of Esau. (Genesis 28:9)
ATS Bible Dictionary
MahalathIn the title ofPsalm 53:1; 88:1, is conjectured to refer to the tune or the instrument used in chanting these Psalms; or a Gengstenberg and Alexander suggest, the spiritual malady which they lament.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A lute; lyre.
(1.) The daughter of Ishmael, and third wife of Esau (Genesis 28:9); called also Bashemath (Genesis 36:3).
(2.) The daughter of Jerimoth, who was one of David's sons. She was one of Rehoboam's wives (2 Chronicles 11:18).
Mahalath Leannoth Maschil
This word leannoth seems to point to some kind of instrument unknown (Psalm 88, title). The whole phrase has by others been rendered, "On the sickness of affliction: a lesson;" or, "Concerning afflictive sickness: a didactic psalm."
Mahalath Maschil
In the title ofPsalm 53, denoting that this was a didactic psalm, to be sung to the accompaniment of the lute or guitar. Others regard this word "mahalath" as the name simply of an old air to which the psalm was to be sung. Others, again, take the word as meaning "sickness," and regard it as alluding to the contents of the psalm.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MAHALATHma'-ha-lath (machalath):
(1) InGenesis 28:9 the name of a wife of Esau, daughter of Ishmael, and sister of Nebaioth, called in 36:3, BASEMATH (which see). The Samaritan Pentateuch, however, throughout Genesis 36 retains "Mahalath." On the other hand, in 26:34 Basemath is said to be "the daughter of Elon the Hittite," probably a confusion with Adah, as given in 36:2, or corruption may exist in the lists otherwise.
(2) One of the 18 wives of Rehoboam, a grand-daughter of David (2 Chronicles 11:18).
(3) The word is found in the titles ofPsalm 53 (the Revised Version (British and American) "set to Mahalath") andPsalm 88 (the Revised Version (British and American) "set to Mahalath Leannoth," margin "for singing"). Probably some song or tune is meant, though the word is taken by many to denote a musical instrument. Hengstenberg and others interpret it as indicating the subject of the Psalms.
SeePSALMS.
James Orr
Strong's Hebrew
4258. Machalath -- daughter of Ishmael, also a granddaughter of...... daughter of Ishmael, also a granddaughter of David. Transliteration: Machalath Phonetic
Spelling: (makh-al-ath') Short Definition:
Mahalath.
...Mahalath.
...4257. Machalath -- in psalm titles, probably the name of a tune.
... in psalm titles, probably the name of a tune. Transliteration: Machalath Phonetic
Spelling: (makh-al-ath') Short Definition:Mahalath....Mahalath...
Library
Chapter xxxvi
... of Beeri the Hittite," and "Basemath, the daughter of Elon the Hittite," whereas
in Genesis 28:9 the Ishmaelite wife was described as "Mahalath, the daughter...
Psalm 88
... Psalm 88. A Song or Psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief Musician upon
Mahalath Leannoth, Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. 8,6,8,6....
Psalm 53
... Psalm 53. To the chief Musician uponMahalath, Maschil, A Psalm of David.
8,6,8,6. ^1That there is not a God, the fool. doth in his heart conclude:...
Chapter xxviii
... Aram; and when Esau further saw that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac,
his father, then Esau went to Ishmael and took to wifeMahalath, the daughter...
Thesaurus
Mahalath (6 Occurrences)... (2.) The daughter of Jerimoth, who was one of David's sons. She was one of Rehoboam's
wives (2 Chronicles 11:18).
Mahalath Leannoth Maschil.
...Mahalath Maschil.
...Maschil (26 Occurrences)
... Psalm 53 For the Chief Musician; set toMahalath. Maschil of David. (ASV). Psalms
53:1 <To the chief music-maker; put toMahalath. Maschil....
Leannoth (2 Occurrences)
... The title "Mahalath (qv) Leannoth" may be rendered "concerning sickness, to be sung"
ie, perhaps, to be sung in sickness. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia....
Ma'halath (2 Occurrences)
Ma'halath.Mahalath, Ma'halath. Mahali . Multi-Version Concordance Ma'halath
(2 Occurrences)....Mahalath, Ma'halath. Mahali . Reference Bible.
Bashemath (6 Occurrences)
... She is also calledMahalath (Genesis 28:9). It is noticeable that Esau's three wives
receive different names in the genealogical table of the Edomites (Genesis...
Nebaioth (5 Occurrences)
... of an Israelitish tribe (16). He had a sister,Mahalath, who was one of
Esau's wives (Genesis 28:9; 36:3). (2.) The name of the...
Jerimoth (10 Occurrences)
... (4) A Levite musician in David's time (1 Chronicles 25:4). (5) Son of David
and father ofMahalath, Rehoboam's wife (2 Chronicles 11:18)....
Maskil (13 Occurrences)
... Psalms 53:1 For the Leader; uponMahalath. Maschil of David.... Psalms 88:1 A Song,
a Psalm of the sons of Korah; for the Leader; uponMahalath Leannoth....
Basmath (7 Occurrences)
... 13, 17). This wife is also calledMahalath (Genesis 28:9), and is of the house of
Abraham. Esau married... of Canaan. CompareMAHALATH. (3) Basemath...
Basemath (7 Occurrences)
... 13, 17). This wife is also calledMahalath (Genesis 28:9), and is of the house of
Abraham. Esau married... of Canaan. CompareMAHALATH. (3) Basemath...
Resources
Who was Heman the Ezrahite in the Psalms? | GotQuestions.orgTo what do the various musical terms in the book of Psalms refer? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are Psalms 14 and 53 nearly identical? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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