Book of Genesis - Chapter 28 - Verse 9

After Jacob received the blessing from Isaac, Esau was furious and plotted to kill him. To escape from Esau's wrath, Jacob's mother, Rebekah, advised him to go to her brother Laban in Haran. Meanwhile, Esau, realizing that his father did not approve of Canaanite wives, decided to marry a relative. Esau went to Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, and took Mahalath, Ishmael's daughter, as his wife. By marrying Mahalath, Esau was keeping the family lineage together by marrying within the descendants of Abraham. This decision was significant as it showed Esau's attempt to rectify his past mistakes of marrying Canaanite wives and also to secure his position in the family as the rightful heir. The union of Esau and Mahalath also highlighted the interconnectedness and continuity of the family of Abraham through marriage alliances.

Esau's decision to take Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, as his wife has theological significance in the context of the biblical narrative. Ishmael was the son of Abraham and Hagar, who was Sarah's maidservant. This marriage alliance between Esau and Mahalath can be seen as a way to continue the lineage of Abraham, as both Ishmael and Esau were descendants of the patriarch. The choice of Mahalath as a wife also highlights the importance of family connections and tribal affiliations in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Additionally, the name Mahalath means "stringed instrument" in Hebrew, which could symbolize harmony or unity within the family. This marriage union between Esau and Mahalath not only reflects the culture and customs of the time but also serves as a reminder of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants.