The term "Mahlite" refers to a descendant or member of the family line of Mahli, who was one of the sons of Merari, the son of Levi. The Mahlites are part of the Levitical tribe, which was set apart for religious duties and the service of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, in ancient Israel.

Biblical Lineage and References

Mahli is first mentioned in the genealogical records of the Levites. In the Book of Numbers, the descendants of Levi are detailed, and Mahli is listed as one of the sons of Merari. Numbers 3:20 states, "The sons of Merari by their clans were Mahli and Mushi. These were the Levite clans according to their families." The Mahlites, therefore, are one of the two main branches of the Merarite Levites, the other being the Mushites.

The role of the Levites, including the Mahlites, was crucial in the religious life of Israel. They were responsible for the care and transportation of the Tabernacle and its furnishings during the Israelites' wanderings in the wilderness. Numbers 4:29-33 outlines the specific duties assigned to the Merarites, which included the care of the frames of the Tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, bases, and all its equipment.

Historical and Religious Significance

The Mahlites, as part of the Merarite division, played a significant role in the maintenance and functioning of the Tabernacle. Their responsibilities were essential for the proper worship and religious observance of the Israelites. The division of labor among the Levites ensured that the sacred duties were carried out with precision and reverence, reflecting the holiness and order that God required from His people.

In 1 Chronicles 6:19, the genealogical records are reiterated, emphasizing the continuity and importance of the Levitical lines: "The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the clans of the Levites according to their families." This passage underscores the enduring legacy of the Mahlites within the Levitical priesthood.

Role in the Temple Worship

During the time of King David, the organization of the Levites was further refined to support the worship in the Temple that Solomon would build. The Levites, including the Mahlites, were assigned specific roles in the Temple service, which included singing, playing musical instruments, and assisting the priests in various rituals. This organization is detailed in 1 Chronicles 23-26, where David assigns duties to the Levites to ensure the smooth operation of the Temple worship.

Conclusion

The Mahlites, as descendants of Mahli, represent a significant branch of the Levitical tribe, dedicated to the service of God and the religious life of Israel. Their contributions to the care of the Tabernacle and later the Temple highlight the importance of the Levites in maintaining the spiritual and ceremonial life of the nation. Through their faithful service, the Mahlites exemplified the dedication and obedience required of those who served in the presence of the Lord.Mahlite (2 Occurrences)

Numbers 3:33
Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites. These are the families of Merari.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Numbers 26:58
These are the families of Levi: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korahites. Kohath became the father of Amram.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Mahlite (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mahlite (2 Occurrences). Numbers 3:33 Of Merari was
the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites. ...
/m/mahlite.htm - 7k

Mahli (11 Occurrences)

/m/mahli.htm - 10k

Mahlites (2 Occurrences)

/m/mahlites.htm - 7k

Begotten (77 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:58 These 'are' families of the Levite: the family of the Libnite, the
family of the Hebronite, the family of the Mahlite, the family of the Mushite ...
/b/begotten.htm - 33k

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