Mahlah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the inheritance laws of ancient Israel. She is one of the five daughters of Zelophehad, a descendant of Manasseh, the son of Joseph. The narrative concerning Mahlah and her sisters is found primarily in the Book of Numbers and is significant for its implications on inheritance rights and the status of women in Israelite society.

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 26:33 : "Now Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons—only daughters—and the names of Zelophehad’s daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah."

2. Numbers 27:1-11 : This passage details the appeal made by Mahlah and her sisters to Moses and the leaders of Israel. They approached the assembly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, arguing that their father died without a male heir and requesting that they be granted a possession among their father's brothers. The Lord instructed Moses to grant their request, establishing a legal precedent that daughters could inherit if there were no sons.

3. Numbers 36:1-12 : This chapter addresses the concern of the leaders of the tribe of Manasseh regarding the inheritance of Zelophehad's daughters. They feared that if the daughters married outside their tribe, their inheritance would transfer to another tribe. God commanded that the daughters marry within their father's tribal clan to ensure the inheritance remained within the tribe.

4. Joshua 17:3-6 : This passage confirms the fulfillment of the Lord's command, as Mahlah and her sisters received their inheritance among their father's brothers, further solidifying their place in the tribal allotments of Israel.

Significance:

Mahlah and her sisters are notable for their boldness and faith in approaching the leaders of Israel to claim their inheritance rights. Their account is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, highlighting the importance of justice and equity in the distribution of land and resources. It underscores the principle that God's laws are adaptable to ensure fairness and the protection of family heritage.

The account of Mahlah and her sisters also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's concern for the marginalized and His willingness to uphold the rights of those who might otherwise be overlooked in a patriarchal society. Their successful petition led to a change in the inheritance laws, demonstrating that God's statutes were designed to be just and inclusive.

Mahlah's account is often cited in discussions about the role of women in the Bible, illustrating that women were active participants in the community and could influence significant legal and social changes. Her legacy, along with that of her sisters, is a testament to the enduring impact of faith and courage in the pursuit of justice.Mahlah

Mahli, Mahlon, same as Mahali

Mahlah

(disease), the eldest of the five daughters of Zelophehad the grandson of Manasseh. (Numbers 27:1-11)

Disease, one of the five daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers 27:1-11) who had their father's inheritance, the law of inheritance having been altered in their favour. MAHLAH

ma'-la (machlah "sickness" or "song," etymology doubtful):

(1) Eldest of Zelophehad's 5 daughters (Numbers 26:33; Numbers 27:1). As Zelophehad, grandson of Manasseh, had no sons, the daughters successfully claimed their father's inheritance. The law was altered in their favor on condition that they married into their father's tribe. They agreed and married their cousins (Numbers 36:11). The whole chapter should be read and compared with Joshua 17:3;, because the decision became a precedent.

(2) Another (the King James Version "Mahalah"), same Hebrew name as above, daughter of Hammoleketh, grand-daughter of Manasseh (1 Chronicles 7:18).

Henry Wallace

4244. Machlah -- a daughter of Zelophehad, also a Gileadite
... Machlah. 4245 . a daughter of Zelophehad, also a Gileadite. Transliteration: Machlah
Phonetic Spelling: (makh-law') Short Definition: Mahlah. ... Mahlah. ...
/hebrew/4244.htm - 6kMahlah (5 Occurrences)
... favour. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MAHLAH. ma'-la ... 18). Henry Wallace.
Multi-Version Concordance Mahlah (5 Occurrences). Numbers 26 ...
/m/mahlah.htm - 9k

Zelophehad (9 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:33 Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names
of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and ...
/z/zelophehad.htm - 11k

Tirzah (17 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:33 Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names
of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and ...
/t/tirzah.htm - 14k

Milcah (10 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:33 Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names
of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and ...
/m/milcah.htm - 10k

Zeloph'ehad (8 Occurrences)
... of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the
son of Joseph; and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, and ...
/z/zeloph'ehad.htm - 8k

Makir (17 Occurrences)
... of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the
son of Joseph; and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, and ...
/m/makir.htm - 11k

Machir (20 Occurrences)
... of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the
son of Joseph; and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, and ...
/m/machir.htm - 16k

Manas'seh (123 Occurrences)
... of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the
son of Joseph; and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, and ...
/m/manas'seh.htm - 35k

Mahli (11 Occurrences)

/m/mahli.htm - 10k

Daughters (246 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:33 Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names
of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and ...
/d/daughters.htm - 39k

Who were the daughters of Zelophehad? | GotQuestions.org

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