Easton's Bible Dictionary A lute; lyre. (1.) The daughter of Ishmael, and third wife of Esau (Genesis 28:9); called also Bashemath (Genesis 36:3). (2.) The daughter of Jerimoth, who was one of David's sons. She was one of Rehoboam's wives (2 Chronicles 11:18). Mahalath Leannoth Maschil This word leannoth seems to point to some kind of instrument unknown (Psalm 88, title). The whole phrase has by others been rendered, "On the sickness of affliction: a lesson;" or, "Concerning afflictive sickness: a didactic psalm." Mahalath Maschil In the title of Psalm 53, denoting that this was a didactic psalm, to be sung to the accompaniment of the lute or guitar. Others regard this word "mahalath" as the name simply of an old air to which the psalm was to be sung. Others, again, take the word as meaning "sickness," and regard it as alluding to the contents of the psalm. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MAHALATH ma'-ha-lath (machalath): (1) In Genesis 28:9 the name of a wife of Esau, daughter of Ishmael, and sister of Nebaioth, called in 36:3, BASEMATH (which 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 (2 Chronicles 11:18). (3) The word is found in the titles of Psalm 53 (the Revised Version (British and American) "set to Mahalath") and Psalm 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

Multi-Version Concordance Mahalath (6 Occurrences) Genesis 28:9 Esau went to Ishmael, and took, besides the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, the sister of Nebaioth, to be his wife. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV) 2 Chronicles 11:18 Rehoboam took him a wife, Mahalath the daughter of Jerimoth the son of David, and of Abihail the daughter of Eliab the son of Jesse; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV) Psalms 52:9 I will give thee thanks for ever, because thou hast done it; And I will hope in thy name, for it is good, in the presence of thy saints. Psalm 53 For the Chief Musician; set to Mahalath. Maschil of David. (ASV) Psalms 53:1 For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Mahalath." A contemplation by David. The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity. There is no one who does good. (WEB JPS BBE DBY WBS RSV NIV) Psalms 87:7 They that sing as well as they that dance 'shall say', All my fountains are in thee. Psalm 88 A Song, a Psalm of the sons of Korah; for the Chief Musician; set to Mahalath Leannoth. Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. (ASV) Psalms 88:1 <A Song. A Psalm. Of the sons of Korah. To the chief music-maker; put to Mahalath Leannoth. Maschil. Of Heman the Ezrahite.> O Lord, God of my salvation, I have been crying to you for help by day and by night: (BBE DBY JPS WBS RSV NIV)