Mahol is a figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of wisdom literature. The name Mahol appears in 1 Kings 4:31, where it is used to describe the lineage or association of certain wise men. The passage reads: "For he was wiser than all men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations" (1 Kings 4:31). This verse highlights the extraordinary wisdom of King Solomon by comparing him to other renowned wise men of his time, including the sons of Mahol.

Etymology and Meaning

The name Mahol is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is often associated with "dance" or "circle." This etymological connection suggests a cultural or artistic significance, possibly indicating that Mahol or his descendants were known for their contributions to music, dance, or wisdom traditions.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, wisdom was highly valued, and individuals known for their wisdom were often esteemed in society. The mention of Mahol in 1 Kings 4:31 places him and his sons among the ranks of the wise, suggesting that they were part of a tradition or school of thought that contributed to the intellectual and cultural life of Israel.

The reference to Mahol's sons—Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Darda—further emphasizes the importance of familial or dynastic wisdom. These individuals are noted for their wisdom, and their mention alongside Solomon underscores the high regard in which they were held. The comparison serves to elevate Solomon's wisdom by placing it above even these esteemed figures.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the mention of Mahol and his sons in the context of Solomon's wisdom highlights the biblical theme of divine wisdom bestowed upon chosen individuals. Solomon's wisdom is portrayed as a gift from God, surpassing that of all others, including the sons of Mahol. This serves to illustrate the biblical principle that true wisdom comes from God and is a mark of divine favor and blessing.

Related Figures

· Ethan the Ezrahite: Mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31 and also associated with Psalm 89, Ethan is considered one of the wise men of Israel. His wisdom is noted in the context of Solomon's superior wisdom.
· Heman: Another wise man mentioned alongside Ethan, Heman is also associated with the Levitical musicians and is credited with Psalm 88.
· Calcol and Darda: These figures are less well-known, but their inclusion in the list of wise men suggests their recognition in ancient Israelite tradition.

Conclusion

The brief mention of Mahol in the Bible, while limited, provides insight into the cultural and intellectual milieu of ancient Israel. It underscores the value placed on wisdom and the recognition of certain individuals and families as bearers of this esteemed quality. The comparison to Solomon serves to highlight the exceptional nature of Solomon's wisdom as a divine gift, setting a standard for wisdom literature in the biblical tradition.Mahol

(dancing), the father of the four men most famous for wisdom next to Solomon himself. (1 Kings 4:31; 1 Chronicles 2:6)

Dance, the father of four sons (1 Kings 4:31) who were inferior in wisdom only to Solomon. MAHOL

ma'-hol (machol, "dance"; compare bene-machol, "sons of dance"): The father of the 4 sages reputed next in wisdom to Solomon (1 Kings 4:31). Their names were Ethan, Heman, Chalcol, Darda.

4235. Machol -- father of Heman
... 4234, 4235. Machol. 4236 . father of Heman. Transliteration: Machol Phonetic
Spelling: (maw-khole') Short Definition: Mahol. ... Mahol. ...
/hebrew/4235.htm - 6k

The Great Gain of Godliness
... country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.31 For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan
the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the great gain of godliness.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... above those who were most eminent among the Hebrews at that time for shrewdness;
those I mean were Ethan, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs
... (31) For he was wiser than all men: than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol,
Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. ...
/.../the origin and permanent value of the old testament/x the hebrew sages and.htm

A Greater than Solomon
... For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezralite, and Heman, and Chalcol,
and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about." Yes ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/a greater than solomon.htm

Perhaps There is no Book Within the Whole Canon of Scripture So ...
... For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol,
and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about. ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter i perhaps there is.htm

Mahol (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MAHOL. ... Their names were Ethan, Heman, Chalcol,
Darda. Multi-Version Concordance Mahol (1 Occurrence). ...
/m/mahol.htm - 7k

Darda (2 Occurrences)
... He was either a son of Mahol (ibid.) or a son of Zerah, son of Judah (1 Chronicles
2:6, where the corresponding name in the same list is given as DARA). ...
/d/darda.htm - 7k

Calcol (2 Occurrences)
... orthography is Calcol which the King James Version gives for the same name in 1
Chronicles 2:6. In the former passage, Calcol is the son of Mahol, while in the ...
/c/calcol.htm - 7k

Heman (17 Occurrences)
... He was one of the three sons of Mahol (1 Kings 4:31 (Hebrew 5:11)); also called
a son of Zerah (1 Chronicles 2:6). Psalm 88 is inscribed to Heman the Ezrahite ...
/h/heman.htm - 14k

Wiser (11 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 4:31 For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman,
and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all the nations ...
/w/wiser.htm - 9k

Ezrahite (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 4:31 For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman,
and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all the nations ...
/e/ezrahite.htm - 9k

Ez'rahite (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Kings 4:31 For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman,
and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all the nations ...
/e/ez'rahite.htm - 6k

Ethan (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 4:31 For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman,
and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all the nations ...
/e/ethan.htm - 10k

Mahrai (2 Occurrences)

/m/mahrai.htm - 6k

Mahlon's (2 Occurrences)

/m/mahlon's.htm - 7k

Who was Ethan the Ezrahite in the Psalms? | GotQuestions.org

How did God respond when Solomon asked for wisdom? | GotQuestions.org

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