Bible Dictionary
Bashemath
Bashemath was the name of Esau’s wife, daughter of Ishmael, also called Mahalath. Another Bashemath was Solomon’s daughter and wife of Ahimaaz, one of Solomon’s officers.
Definition
Bashemath, meaning “sweet-smelling,” was the name of two women. One was a daughter of Ishmael and a wife of Esau, also called Mahalath. The other was a daughter of Solomon and wife of Ahimaaz, one of Solomon’s officers.
Biblical Usage
Bashemath appears in the genealogical accounts of Esau and the Edomites, and in the list of Solomon’s family and officers. Her son Reuel became the ancestor of four Edomite tribes.
Historical Background
The genealogical table of Edom gives Esau’s wives names differing from those in the earlier historical account. Bashemath is also spelled Basmath or identified with Basemath.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Sweet-smelling. (1.) The daughter of Ishmael, the last of Esau’s three wives (Gen. 36:3, 4, 13), from whose son Reuel four tribes of the Edomites sprung. She is also called Mahalath (Gen. 28:9). It is noticeable that Esau’s three wives receive different names in the genealogical table of the Edomites (Gen. 36) from those given to them in the history (Gen. 26:34; 28:9). (2.) A daughter of Solomon, and wife of Ahimaaz, one of his officers (1 Kings 4:15).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(fragrant, pleasing), daughter of Ishmael, the last married of the three wives of Esau. (Genesis 26:34; 36:3,4,13) (B.C. after 1797.) In (Genesis 28:9) she is called Mahalath.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>bash'-e-math.</p><p>See BASEMATH.</p>