Mahath מַ֫חַת
Levite who helped purify the temple under Hezekiah
Who is Mahath in the Bible?
Mahath was a Levite who played a role in the purification of the temple during King Hezekiah's religious reforms in Judah (2 Chronicles 29:12). When Hezekiah initiated his restoration of proper worship, he called upon Levites from the clans of Kohath and Merari, including Mahath, to cleanse the temple that had fallen into disrepair under previous kings. These Levites were responsible for removing unclean items from the temple, carrying them outside the city, and preparing the sanctuary for renewed religious practice. Mahath's participation in this significant reform demonstrates the essential role Levites held in maintaining the spiritual integrity and proper functioning of temple worship in ancient Judah.
Biography
Mahath is mentioned in 2 Chronicles as one of the Levites who participated in the purification of the temple during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah (2Ch.29.12). Hezekiah initiated a religious reform that included the cleansing and restoration of the temple, which had fallen into disrepair and neglect under the previous kings (2Ch.29.3-11). Mahath, along with other Levites from the clans of Kohath and Merari, was summoned by the king to assist in this important task (2Ch.29.12). The Levites played a crucial role in the temple's purification, as they were responsible for removing the unclean items, carrying them outside the city, and preparing the temple for proper worship (2Ch.29.15-19). Mahath's participation in this event highlights the significance of the Levites in maintaining the religious life of Judah and their dedication to restoring proper worship practices. No further details are provided about Mahath's personal life or his other responsibilities as a Levite. His inclusion in the biblical record emphasizes the importance of religious reform and the collective effort required to maintain the purity and sanctity of the temple.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 29:12
"Then the Levites set to work: Mahath son of Amasai and 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;"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | מַ֫חַת |
Mahath
(1Ch 6:25). He seems also to be the same as the person named in 2Ch 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 (2Ch 31:13); three passages of Scripture give the name, but it is difficult to individuate these because the genealogy identifies the two first named (1Ch 6:35; 2Ch 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 2Ch 29:12 with him of 2Ch 31:13. Possibly the genealogy has been mistakenly repeated in 2Ch 29:12.
Henry Wallace
ma'-ha-vit (machawim, "villagers"): The description given to Eliel, one of David's warrior guard (1Ch 11:46), perhaps to distinguish him from the Eliel in the next verse. Massore