Mahalath מַחֲלַת
Rehoboam's wife, granddaughter of David
Who is Mahalath in the Bible?
Mahalath was one of King Rehoboam's wives and a granddaughter of King David through his son Jerimoth, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 11:18. She was married to Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and the first king of Judah after the division of the united monarchy, and is noted as one of his favored wives alongside Abihail. According to 2 Chronicles 11:21, Rehoboam loved Mahalath and Abihail more than his other wives and concubines, suggesting she held a significant place in his household. This marriage alliance likely served to strengthen Rehoboam's connection to the Davidic dynasty during a critical period when the kingdom had split into north and south, helping to legitimize his rule over Judah.
Biography
Mahalath is mentioned in 2 Chronicles as one of the wives of King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and the first king of the Kingdom of Judah after the division of the united monarchy (2Ch.11.18). She was the daughter of Jerimoth, who was a son of David, making her a granddaughter of King David. Rehoboam's marriage to Mahalath, along with his other wife Abihail, is recorded in the context of his family life and his establishment of his royal household (2Ch.11.18-23). The chronicler notes that Rehoboam loved Mahalath and Abihail more than his other wives and concubines (2Ch.11.21). This marriage alliance with a descendant of David likely served to strengthen Rehoboam's claim to the throne and his connection to the Davidic dynasty. No further details are provided about Mahalath's personal life or her influence in the royal court. Her inclusion in the biblical record highlights the importance of marital alliances and family lineage in the political and social structure of the Judean monarchy.
Family
Parents
Partners
In Scripture
1 biblical book2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 11:18
"And Rehoboam married Mahalath, who was the daughter of David’s son Jerimoth and of Abihail, the daughter of Jesse’s son Eliab."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | מַחֲלַת |
Mahalath
hich see). The Samaritan Pentateuch, however, throughout Genesis 36 retains "Mahalath." On the other hand, in 26:34 Basemath is said to be "the daughter of Elon the Hittite," probably a confusion with Adah, as given in 36:2, or corruption may exist in the lists otherwise.
(2) One of the 18 wives of Rehoboam, a grand-daughter of David (2Ch 11:18).
(3) The word is found in the titles of Ps 53 (the Revised Version (British and American) "set to Mahalath") and Ps 88 (the Revised Version (British and American) "set to Mahalath Leannoth," margin "for singing"). Probably some song or tune is meant, though the word is taken by many to denote a musical instrument. Hengstenberg and others interpret it as indicating the subject of the Psalms.
See PSALMS.
James Orr
ma'-ha-li.
See MAHLI.
ma-ha-na'-im (machanayim; the Greek is different in every case where the name occurs, Codex Vaticanus and Codex Al