Mahlah

ma'-la (machlah "sickness" or "song," etymology doubtful):

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

(1) Eldest of Zelophehad's 5 daughters (Nu 26:33; 27:1). As Zelophehad, grandson of Manasseh, had no sons, the daughters successfully claimed their father's inheritance. The law was altered in their favor on condition that they married into their father's tribe. They agreed and married their cousins (Nu 36:11). The whole chapter should be read and compared with Jos 17:3 ff, because the decision became a precedent.

(2) Another (the King James Version "Mahalah"), same Hebrew name as above, daughter of Hammoleketh, grand-daughter of Manasseh (1Ch 7:18).

⇒See also the McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia.

Henry Wallace