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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadMcClintock Biblical Encyclopedia: Mahlon
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(Hebrew Alachlon', îִçְìåֹï , sickly; Sept. Ìááëώí , Vulg. Mahalon), the elder of the two sons of Elimelech the Bethlehemite by Naomi; they removed with him to Moab, where this one married Ruth, and died childless (Rth_1:2; Rth_1:5; Rth_4:9-10). B.C. cir. 1360. SEE RUTH. “It is uncertain which was the elder of the two. In the narrative (Rth_1:2; Rth_1:5) Mahlon is mentioned first, but in his formal address to the elders in the gate (Rth_4:9), Boaz says ‘Chilion and Mahlon.' Like his brother, Mahlon died in the land of Moab without offspring, which in the Targum on Ruth (Rth_1:5) is explained to have been a judgment for their transgression of the law in marrying a Moabitess. In the Targum on 1Ch_4:22, Mahlon is identified with Joash, possibly on account of the double meaning of the Hebrew word which follows, and which signifies both ‘had dominion' and ‘married.'