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Bible Encyclopedias
Mahlon
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
or (Hebrew Alachlon', מִחְלוֹן , sickly; Sept. Μααλών, 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 (Ruth 1:2; Ruth 1:5; Ruth 4:9-10). B.C. cir. 1360. (See RUTH). "It is uncertain which was the elder of the two. In the narrative (Ruth 1:2; Ruth 1:5) Mahlon is mentioned first, but in his formal address to the elders in the gate (Ruth 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 (Ruth 1:5) is explained to have been a judgment for their transgression of the law in marrying a Moabitess. In the Targum on 1 Chronicles 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.'
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McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Mahlon'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/m/mahlon.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
