Bible Encyclopedias

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Mahalath

ma´ha - lath ( מחלת , maḥălath ):

(1) In Genesis 28:9 the name of a wife of Esau, daughter of Ishmael, and sister of Nebaioth, called in Genesis 36:3 , BASEMATH (which see). The Samaritan Pentateuch, however, throughout Genesis 36 retains "Mahalath." On the other hand, in Genesis 26:34 Basemath is said to be "the daughter of Elon the Hittite," probably a confusion with Adah, as given in Genesis 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 of Psalm 53:1-6 (the Revised Version (British and American) "set to Mahalath") and Ps 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. See PSALMS .