Mahlah

MAHLAH (ma'la, Heb. mahlâh, disease)

Oldest daughter of Zelophehad of the tribe of Manasseh. This man had no sons but seven daughters, who obtained permission to inherit land as if they were sons, provided they married within the tribe (Num.26.33; Num.27.1ff.; Num.36.1ff.; Josh.17.3ff.).Daughter of Hammoleketh, the sister of Makir, son of Manasseh (1Chr.7.18).

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MAHLAH mä’ lə (מַחְלָ֣ה). 1. The eldest of the five daughters of Zelophehad, the grandson of Manasseh. As he had no sons, when he died the daughters claimed his inheritance, and this claim was granted on condition that they marry into their father’s tribe, which they did by marrying their cousins. This decision was very important, as it became a precedent (Num 26:33; 27:1; 36:11; Josh 17:3).

2. One of the sons of Hammolecheth (1 Chron 7:18 KJV MAHALAH).

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)

(machlah "sickness" or "song," etymology doubtful):

(1) Eldest of Zelophehad’s 5 daughters (Nu 26:33; 27:1). As Zelophehad, grandson of Manasseh, had no sons, the daughters successfully claimed their father’s inheritance. The law was altered in their favor on condition that they married into their father’s tribe. They agreed and married their cousins (Nu 36:11). The whole chapter should be read and compared with Jos 17:3 ff, because the decision became a precedent.

(2) Another (the King James Version "Mahalah"), same Hebrew name as above, daughter of Hammoleketh, grand-daughter of Manasseh (1Ch 7:18).