Mahath is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Levitical genealogies and the religious reforms during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. His name, Mahath, is believed to mean "grasping" or "seizing," which may reflect a characteristic or role within his family or duties.

Genealogical Background

Mahath is identified as a Levite, a member of the tribe set apart for religious duties and service in the temple. He is listed as a descendant of Kohath, one of the three sons of Levi, from whom the Kohathites, a significant Levitical clan, descended. The Kohathites were entrusted with the care of the most sacred objects of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings.

Role in Hezekiah's Reforms

Mahath's most notable biblical mention occurs in the context of King Hezekiah's religious reforms, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 29. During Hezekiah's reign, he initiated a significant religious revival, seeking to restore proper worship practices and cleanse the temple, which had been neglected and defiled during the reign of his predecessor, King Ahaz.

In 2 Chronicles 29:12, Mahath is named among the Levites who responded to Hezekiah's call to purify the temple: "Then the Levites set to work: Mahath son of Amasai, Joel son of Azariah, from the Kohathites; Kish son of Abdi, and Azariah son of Jehallelel, from the Merarites; Joah son of Zimmah, and Eden son of Joah, from the Gershonites."

Mahath, along with other Levites, played a crucial role in the cleansing and sanctification of the temple, which was essential for the restoration of proper worship and the reestablishment of the covenant relationship between God and His people. This act of purification was a significant step in Hezekiah's efforts to lead the nation back to faithfulness and obedience to the Lord.

Significance

The involvement of Mahath in Hezekiah's reforms highlights the importance of the Levitical role in maintaining and restoring the spiritual health of the nation. As a Kohathite, Mahath's participation underscores the continuity of Levitical service from the time of Moses through the monarchy, emphasizing the enduring responsibility of the Levites to uphold the sanctity of worship and the temple.

Mahath's mention in the biblical narrative, though brief, serves as a testament to the collaborative effort required among the Levites to achieve the spiritual renewal of Judah. His contribution to the cleansing of the temple reflects the broader theme of repentance and restoration that characterizes Hezekiah's reign and underscores the importance of faithful service in the life of God's people.Mahath

same as Maath

Mahath

(grabbing).

1. A Zohathite of the house of Korah. (1 Chronicles 6:35)
2. Also a Kohathite, in the reign of Hezekiah. (2 Chronicles 29:12; 31:13)

Grasping.

(1.) A Kohathite Levite, father of Elkanah (1 Chronicles 6:35).

(2.) Another Kohathite Levite, of the time of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:12).

MAHATH

ma'-hath (machath, "snatching"; Meth):

(1) One of the Kohathites having charge of the "service of song" in David's time, son of Amasai (1 Chronicles 6:35). Possibly the same as Ahimoth (1 Chronicles 6:25). He seems also to be the same as the person named in 2 Chronicles 29:12 during Hezekiah's time, though it is probable there is some confusion in the narrative. He is there represented as taking part in the new covenant of Hezekiah and the cleansing of the Lord's house.

(2) One of the overseers of the temple under Conaniah and Shimei (2 Chronicles 31:13); three passages of Scripture give the name, but it is difficult to individuate these because the genealogy identifies the two first named (1 Chronicles 6:35 2 Chronicles 29:12), while the chronology seems to divide them-one in David's day, the other in Hezekiah's. It is not, however, impossible to identify the man of 2 Chronicles 29:12 with him of 2 Chronicles 31:13. Possibly the genealogy has been mistakenly repeated in 2 Chronicles 29:12.

Henry Wallace

4287. Machath -- two Levites
... 4286, 4287. Machath. 4288 . two Levites. Transliteration: Machath Phonetic
Spelling: (makh'-ath) Short Definition: Mahath. ... Mahath. ...
/hebrew/4287.htm - 6kMahath (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MAHATH. ...Mahath (4 Occurrences). Luke 3:26 son of
Mahath, son of Mattathias, son of Semein, son of Josech, son of Joda, (WEY). ...
/m/mahath.htm - 9k

Amasai (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 6:35 the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the
son of Amasai, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/a/amasai.htm - 10k

Ama'sai (5 Occurrences)
... Ahimoth. (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 6:35 the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah,
the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai; (See RSV). 1 Chronicles ...
/a/ama'sai.htm - 7k

Azari'ah (46 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 29:12 Then the Levites arose, Mahath the son of Amasai, and Joel the
son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites; and of the sons of Merari ...
/a/azari'ah.htm - 18k

Zimmah (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 29:12 Then the Levites arose, Mahath, the son of Amasai, and Joel the
son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites; and of the sons of Merari ...
/z/zimmah.htm - 8k

Zuph (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 6:35 the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the
son of Amasai, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/z/zuph.htm - 9k

Ko'hathites (19 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 29:12 Then the Levites arose, Mahath, the son of Amasai, and Joel the
son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites; and of the sons of Merari ...
/k/ko'hathites.htm - 11k

Kohathite (18 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 29:12 Then the Levites arose, Mahath, the son of Amasai, and Joel the
son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites; and of the sons of Merari ...
/k/kohathite.htm - 12k

Nahath (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 31:13 Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and
Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers ...
/n/nahath.htm - 9k

Jehal'lelel (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 29:12 Then the Levites arose, Mahath the son of Amasai, and Joel the
son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites; and of the sons of Merari ...
/j/jehal'lelel.htm - 7k

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