Mahlon

One of the sons of Elimelech, Ruth i. 2. His name is derived from Mahol, infirmity. Perhaps the fathers name, and the whole family were figurative. In the history of this house, we read that in the days when the Judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. The Book of the Judges, at the close, saith, that in those days, "there was no king in Israel, every man did that which was right in his own eyes." (Judg. xxi. 25.) And this we may be sure, was bad enough. In such seasons there is always a famine, not perhaps of bread andwater, but a famine to the soul in not hearing the word of the Lord. (Amos 8. 11.) In this state this house in Israel left Bethlehem - Judah, the land of bread, and the bread of JEHUDAH, (for so Bethlehem - Judah means) and went to sojourn in Moab. In other words, left the Lord to seek the world in Moab. To this history correspond the names. Elimelech signifies, my God, a king. Naomi, my pleasant one; now called Marah, bitterness; and Mahlon and Chillon, sickness and consumption.

Mah´lon, one of the two sons of Elimelech and Naomi, and first husband of Ruth the Moabitess (Rth 1:2, sq.) [RUTH].

A son of Elimelech and Naomi, and the first husband of Ruth the Moabites, Rth 1:1-22 .\par

Mah’lon. (sick). The first husband of Ruth; son of Eiimelech and Naomi. Rth 1:2; Rth 1:5; Rth 4:9-10. Compare 1Sa 17:12.

Ruth’s first husband (Rth 1:2; Rth 1:5; Rth 4:9). An Ephrathite of Bethlehem Judah, son of Elimelech and Naomi. Mahlon died in Moab childless, a judgment says the Targum for his marrying a Moabitess.

[Mah’lon]

Son of Elimelech and Naomi, and husband of Ruth. Rth 1:2; Rth 1:5; Rth 4:9-10.

MAHLON.—See Chilion.

ma´lon (מחלון, maḥlōn, “invalid”): Ruth’s first husband (Ruth 12, 5; Rth 4:9, Rth 4:10). In the latter passage is further evidence of the unwillingness to allow a family connection or inheritance to drop (see MAHLAH; MAHLI). Note that David’s descent and that of his “Greater Son” come through Ruth and Boaz (Rth 4:22).