Lexical Summary Machath: Machath Original Word: מַחַת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Mahath Probably from machah; erasure; Machath, the name of two Israelites -- Mahath. see HEBREW machah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chathah Definition two Levites NASB Translation Mahath (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַ֫חַת proper name, masculine (perhaps from מַחֲתֶה thing seized) — Levites: a. 1 Chronicles 6:20, ᵐ5 Μεθ, A Μααθ, ᵐ5L Αμιωθ. b.2Chronicles 29:12; 31:13, ᵐ5 Μααθ, Μαεθ, ᵐ5L Μααθ, Ααθ. Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Identification The name מַחַת (Mahath) appears three times in the Old Testament (1 Chronicles 6:35; 2 Chronicles 29:12; 2 Chronicles 31:13). All references place Mahath among the Kohathite branch of the tribe of Levi, connecting him with responsibilities that center on the worship and service of the LORD’s sanctuary. Genealogical Context (1 Chronicles 6:35) In the Levitical genealogy that traces the lineage of the temple musicians, Mahath is listed as an ancestor of the prophet-musician Heman: “the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai” (1 Chronicles 6:35). This record affirms the continuity of Levitical service from the era of the judges through the monarchy. By anchoring Heman’s line in a verifiable chain, the text underscores the importance of hereditary calling and the transmission of ministry faithfulness from one generation to the next. Mahath and Hezekiah’s Temple Reform (2 Chronicles 29:12) Centuries later, a Kohathite of the same name takes a prominent role in King Hezekiah’s revival. When the king summoned the Levites to sanctify the temple, “the Levites rose up: Mahath son of Amasai and Joel son of Azariah from the descendants of the Kohathites…” (2 Chronicles 29:12). Mahath is singled out among those who immediately responded. His obedience illustrates the readiness of consecrated servants to act decisively when confronted with the need for spiritual renewal. The narrative highlights three qualities: 1. Readiness—Mahath “rose up” without delay. Oversight of Sacred Resources (2 Chronicles 31:13) Following the restoration of worship, Hezekiah organized the distribution of tithes and offerings. “Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were under the authority of Conaniah and his brother Shimei by the appointment of King Hezekiah…” (2 Chronicles 31:13). Here Mahath is entrusted with administrative oversight. The passage links spiritual revival with practical stewardship: cleansed worship leads to responsible management of the people’s contributions. Mahath’s inclusion: • Demonstrates the king’s confidence in his integrity. Historical and Ministry Significance 1. Continuity of Levitical Service: From the era preceding Samuel to the days of Hezekiah, Mahath’s name frames a span of roughly four centuries, bearing witness to God’s preservation of a worship-focused lineage. Theological Reflections • Covenant Faithfulness: Mahath’s appearance in critical junctures of Israel’s history illustrates the LORD’s commitment to raise faithful servants in every generation (Psalm 100:5). Lessons for Today • Respond promptly to calls for renewal. Forms and Transliterations וּמַ֖חַת ומחת מַ֖חַת מַ֣חַת מחת ma·ḥaṯ Machat maḥaṯ ū·ma·ḥaṯ uMachat ūmaḥaṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 6:35 HEB: אֶלְקָנָ֔ה בֶּן־ מַ֖חַת בֶּן־ עֲמָשָֽׂי׃ NAS: the son of Mahath, the son KJV: the son of Mahath, the son INT: of Elkanah the son of Mahath the son of Amasai 2 Chronicles 29:12 2 Chronicles 31:13 3 Occurrences |
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