Bible Encyclopedias
Mahlon

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(Hebrew Alachlon', מִחְלוֹן , sickly; Sept. Μααλών, Vulg. Mahalon), the elder of the two sons of Elimelech the Bethlehemite by Naomi; they removed with him to Moab, where this one married Ruth, and died childless (Ruth 1:2; Ruth 1:5; Ruth 4:9-10). B.C. cir. 1360. (See RUTH). "It is uncertain which was the elder of the two. In the narrative (Ruth 1:2; Ruth 1:5) Mahlon is mentioned first, but in his formal address to the elders in the gate (Ruth 4:9), Boaz says Chilion and Mahlon.' Like his brother, Mahlon died in the land of Moab without offspring, which in the Targum on Ruth (Ruth 1:5) is explained to have been a judgment for their transgression of the law in marrying a Moabitess. In the Targum on 1 Chronicles 4:22, Mahlon is identified with Joash, possibly on account of the double meaning of the Hebrew word which follows, and which signifies both had dominion' and married.'

Bibliography Information
McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Mahlon'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​tce/​m/mahlon.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.