The Mahlites are a subgroup within the tribe of Levi, specifically descending from Mahli, one of the sons of Merari. The Levites, as a whole, were set apart for religious duties and service to the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, in ancient Israel. The Mahlites, as descendants of Mahli, played a role in the Levitical responsibilities and inheritance.

Genealogy and Lineage

Mahli is first mentioned in the genealogical records of the Levites. In the Book of Numbers, the sons of Merari are listed: "The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi" (Numbers 3:20). This establishes Mahli as a significant figure within the Merarite clan. The Merarites, including the Mahlites, were responsible for specific duties related to the Tabernacle's structure, such as the care and transportation of its frames, bars, pillars, and bases (Numbers 3:36-37).

Duties and Responsibilities

The Levites were divided into three main families: the Gershonites, the Kohathites, and the Merarites. Each family had distinct roles in the service of the Tabernacle. The Merarites, to which the Mahlites belonged, were tasked with the more structural aspects of the Tabernacle's maintenance and transport. This division of labor ensured that the Tabernacle could be efficiently dismantled, transported, and reassembled as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness.

Inheritance and Cities

As with other Levitical families, the Mahlites did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, they were given specific cities to dwell in, scattered throughout the land of Israel. This arrangement allowed them to fulfill their religious duties while also serving as spiritual leaders and teachers among the people. The distribution of Levitical cities is detailed in Joshua 21, where the cities assigned to the Merarites are listed.

Significance in Israelite Worship

The role of the Mahlites, along with other Levitical families, was crucial in maintaining the worship and religious practices of ancient Israel. By ensuring the proper care and transport of the Tabernacle, they facilitated the Israelites' ability to worship God according to the instructions given to Moses. The Levites, including the Mahlites, were integral to the spiritual life of the nation, serving as mediators between God and the people.

Biblical References

The Mahlites are mentioned in several genealogical and census records throughout the Old Testament. These references highlight their place within the broader Levitical family and underscore their role in the religious life of Israel. Key passages include:

· Numbers 3:20: "The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi."
· Numbers 3:36-37: Describes the duties of the Merarites concerning the Tabernacle.
· Joshua 21: Lists the cities assigned to the Merarites, including those inhabited by the Mahlites.

The Mahlites, as part of the Levitical priesthood, exemplify the dedication and service required to maintain the covenant relationship between God and His people. Their contributions, though often behind the scenes, were vital to the spiritual health and continuity of Israelite worship.MAHLITES

ma'-lits (machli): Descendants of Mahli, son of Merari (Numbers 3:33; Numbers 26:58). These Mahlites appear to have followed the example of the daughters of Zelophehad, mutatis mutandis. (See MAHLAH; had the name become the description of a practice?) They married the daughters of their uncle Eleazar (1 Chronicles 23:21, 22).

4250. Machli -- descendant of Mahli
... Machli. 4251 . descendant of Mahli. Transliteration: Machli Phonetic Spelling:
(makh-lee') Short Definition: Mahlites. ... of Mahli NASB Word Usage Mahlites (2). ...
/hebrew/4250.htm - 6kMahlites (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MAHLITES. ... These Mahlites appear to have followed
the example of the daughters of Zelophehad, mutatis mutandis. ...
/m/mahlites.htm - 7k

Mahlite (2 Occurrences)
... Mahlite (2 Occurrences). Numbers 3:33 Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites,
and the family of the Mushites. These are the families of Merari. ...
/m/mahlite.htm - 7k

Mushite (2 Occurrences)
... Mushite (2 Occurrences). Numbers 3:33 Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites,
and the family of the Mushites. These are the families of Merari. ...
/m/mushite.htm - 7k

Mushites (2 Occurrences)
... Mushites (2 Occurrences). Numbers 3:33 Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites,
and the family of the Mushites. These are the families of Merari. ...
/m/mushites.htm - 7k

Mahlon (4 Occurrences)

/m/mahlon.htm - 8k

Clans (120 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Numbers 3:33 Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family
of the Mushites. These are the families of Merari. (See NIV). ...
/c/clans.htm - 34k

Korahite (3 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:58 These are the families of Levi: the family of the Libnites, the family
of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites ...
/k/korahite.htm - 7k

Korathites (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:58 These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites,
the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the ...
/k/korathites.htm - 7k

Korathite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:58 These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites,
the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the ...
/k/korathite.htm - 6k

Ko'rahites (6 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:58 These are the families of Levi: the family of the Libnites, the family
of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites ...
/k/ko'rahites.htm - 8k

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