Lexical Summary Machalath: Mahalath Original Word: מַחֲלַת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Mahalath The same as machalath; sickness; Machalath, the name of an Ishmaelitess and of an Israelitess -- Mahalath. see HEBREW machalath NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition daughter of Ishmael, also a granddaughter of David NASB Translation Mahalath (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. מַחֲלַת proper name, feminine 1. daughter of Ishmael Genesis 28:9, ᵐ5 Μαελεθ. 2 granddaughter of David2Chronicles 11:18, ᵐ5 Μολλαθ; ᵐ5L Μαελλεθ. מְחֹלַת see מְחוֺלָה below I. חול. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences Genesis 28:9 presents Mahalath as a daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth, taken by Esau “in addition to the wives he already had.” 2 Chronicles 11:18 records a later Mahalath, daughter of Jerimoth son of David and of Abihail granddaughter of Jesse, becoming the first-named wife of King Rehoboam. Historical Context 1. Esau’s Mahalath establishes a political alliance between Esau’s Edomite line and the Ishmaelite clan. Both lines spring from Abraham yet stand outside the covenant line that proceeds through Isaac and Jacob. Esau’s marriage underscores his pragmatic approach to family alliances after perceiving his Canaanite wives displeased Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 26:34-35; 28:8). Genealogical Significance • Esau + Mahalath (Ishmaelite) → Edomite-Ishmaelite linkage, foreshadowing later interactions between Edom and Israel. Theological Themes Covenant Priority: The marriages spotlight the contrast between human strategies and divine election. Esau’s union with Mahalath cannot regain the birthright he forfeited (Hebrews 12:16-17). Conversely, Rehoboam’s alliance through Mahalath occurs within the covenant community yet does not shield him from consequences of disobedience (2 Chronicles 12:1-5). Family Influence: Both narratives reveal how parental expectations and political calculations shape marital choices, yet God’s redemptive purposes advance irrespective of human motives. Lessons for Ministry • Marital and familial decisions carry generational impact; leaders should weigh alliances in light of God’s promises rather than cultural expediency. Related Names Though the same spelling appears in Psalm titles referring to musical settings (e.g., Psalm 53, Psalm 88), those headings use a different Strong’s number and are distinct from the women named Mahalath in Genesis and Chronicles. Forms and Transliterations מָ֣חֲלַ֔ת מָחֲלַ֣ת ׀ מחלת machaLatLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 28:9 HEB: וַיִּקַּ֡ח אֶֽת־ מָחֲלַ֣ת ׀ בַּת־ יִשְׁמָעֵ֨אל NAS: the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter KJV: unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter INT: Ishmael and took had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael 2 Chronicles 11:18 2 Occurrences |
    |