Mahalath

ma'-ha-lath (machalath):

⇒See a list of verses on MAHALATH in the Bible.

(1) In Ge 28:9 the name of a wife of Esau, daughter of Ishmael, and sister of Nebaioth, called in Ge 36:3, BASEMATH (which see). The Samaritan Pentateuch, however, throughout Ge 36:1-43 retains "Mahalath." On the other hand, in Ge 26:34 Basemath is said to be "the daughter of Elon the Hittite," probably a confusion with Adah, as given in Ge 36:2, or corruption may exist in the lists otherwise.

(2) One of the 18 wives of Rehoboam, a grand-daughter of David (2Ch 11:18).

⇒See also the McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia.

(3) The word is found in the titles of Ps 53:1-6 (the Revised Version (British and American) "set to Mahalath") and Ps 88:1-18 (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.

See PSALMS.

James Orr