appears at 1 Chronicles 15:18, 21; 25:3, 21. Both mean “gift of Jehovah.”

1. A Levite who played a harp when the ark of the covenant was brought to Jerusalem from the house of Obed-edom. (1 Chron. 15:17-21, 25) Probably this same Mattithiah was one of the Levitical musicians whom David put before the Ark “both to call to remembrance and to thank and praise Jehovah the God of Israel” (1 Chron. 16:4, 5) and the individual later selected by lot from among the sons of Jeduthun to head the fourteenth division of twelve Levite musicians.—1 Chron. 25:1, 3, 9, 21.

2. A Kohathite Levite of the family of Korah and the firstborn son of Shallum. This Mattithiah was among the Levites returning from Babylonian exile and “was in the office of trust over the things baked in pans.”—1 Chron. 9:31, 32.

3. A Levite or priest who stood at Ezra’s right hand when the copyist read the law of Moses to the Jews assembled in Jerusalem.—Neh. 8:1, 4.

4. An Israelite “of the sons of Nebo” who was among those accepting foreign wives but who sent them away “along with sons” in Ezra’s day.—Ezra 10:25, 43, 44.

MATURITY

The state of being full-grown, ripe, complete or perfect, as determined by a standard. (See PERFECTION.) The Bible provides the standard for ascertaining what constitutes spiritual maturity (completeness or perfection). According to this standard, a mature spirit-begotten Christian is one who is not a spiritual babe, often changeable and easily led astray or influenced by others in matters of doctrine. (Eph. 4:11-14) Since his perceptive powers are trained, he is able to distinguish both right and wrong. He does not need to be taught elementary things. (Heb. 5:11–6:2) He is guided, not by worldly wisdom, but by God’s spirit. (1 Cor. 2:6, 10-13) To such a spirit-begotten Christian the “prize of the upward call of God” should be the most important thing. So he should forget the things behind and continuously strive to gain that prize. It is noteworthy that this attitude toward the prize is not a precedent for gaining maturity, but an attitude that Paul exhorted already mature spirit-begotten Christians to have.—Phil. 3:12-16.

Never does the Bible speak about degrees or stages of spiritual maturity or adulthood. However, just as a person continues to grow in knowledge, experience and discernment after becoming an adult, the mature Christian likewise continues to make progress. Trials that he has can strengthen his faith and endurance. Wrote the disciple James: “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials, knowing as you do that this tested quality of your faith works out endurance. But let endurance have its work complete, that you may be complete [literally, perfect] and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything.” (Jas. 1:2-4) Similarly, as adults will vary in physical aspects and in mental abilities and talents, so mature Christians may vary in certain qualities, some being notable in some aspect, such as knowledge, judgment, courage or generosity; others in another. (Compare 1 Corinthians 7:7; 12:4-11, 27-31.) Thus, in considering maturity, it is necessary to take into consideration that special abilities or talents are not the things that determine whether one is a mature Christian or not.

The entire congregational arrangement, with its apostles, prophets, evangelizers, shepherds and teachers, served to produce mature Christians, spiritual adults. (Eph. 4:11-14; compare Colossians 1:28, 29; 4:12, 13.) Obviously, then, those serving as shepherds and teachers had to be spiritually mature persons, not babes. However, more than spiritual adulthood was required of one appointed as an overseer or ministerial servant. (1 Tim. 3:1-9, 12, 13; Titus 1:5-9) For example, one of the requirements for an overseer was that he be a “man presiding over his own household in a fine manner, having children in subjection with all seriousness.” (1 Tim. 3:4) Thus, a man could be mature in certain respects from a spiritual viewpoint, and yet, if his children were rebellious and uncontrollable, he would not qualify for the position of overseer.

MAZZAROTH CONSTELLATION

(Mazʹza·roth).

At Job 38:32 Jehovah asks Job: “Can you bring forth the Mazzaroth constellation in its appointed time? And as for the Ash constellation alongside its sons, can you conduct them?” Thus, whatever the identification of these particular constellations may be, God puts the question to Job as to whether he can control the visible celestial bodies, bringing forth a certain group at its proper season, or guiding another constellation in its prescribed heavenly course.

The Aramaic Targum equates Mazzaroth with the maz·za·lohthʹ of 2 Kings 23:5, “constellations of the zodiac,” or “twelve signs, or constellations.” (NW; AV) Some believe that the word is derived from a root meaning “to engird,” and that Mazzaroth refers to the zodiacal circle. However, at Job 38:32 a singular pronoun is used in Hebrew in the expression “in its appointed time,” whereas the reference in 2 Kings 23:5 is in the plural. Hence, Mazzaroth appears to refer to a particular constellation rather than to the entire zodiacal circle, but no positive identification is possible at present.

MEAH

See TOWER.

MEAL

Often occasions of happy fellowship and spiritual benefit among the ancient Hebrews and, later, the early Christians, meals also afforded opportunities for showing love and extending hospitality to others. It appears that the Hebrews and early Christians customarily offered prayers in connection with meals.—1 Sam. 9:13; Acts 27:35; 1 Tim. 4:1, 3; see HOSPITALITY; LORD’S EVENING MEAL; LOVE FEASTS.

The Israelites appear to have had two main meals each day, one in the morning and the other in the evening at the close of the workday. (Compare Ruth 3:2, 3, 7; 1 Kings 17:6.) While many ate their breakfasts at home, others, including fishermen who toiled all night, apparently made it a practice to take some food along when going to work. Fishermen could also prepare some of their catch for breakfast.—Compare Mark 8:14; John 21:12, 15.

There is evidence, however, that a meal, perhaps usually a lighter one, was served about noon. (Acts 10:9, 10) Probably at this time persons working in the field stopped to rest and ate some food.—Compare Ruth 2:14.

Women customarily served the food. (John 12:1-3) But at times they ate their meals in company with men. (1 Sam. 1:4, 5; Job 1:4) In well-to-do, particularly royal, households servants waited on the tables. King Solomon’s table was served by waiters having special attire.—1 Ki. 10:4, 5; 2 Chron. 9:3, 4.

Drinks were usually served in individual cups, but food was often placed in a common dish. Those eating might take food with their fingers or use a piece of bread somewhat like a spoon to partake of certain foods.—Mark 14:20; John 13:25, 26; see also Proverbs 26:15.

The postures assumed by persons at meals included reclining and sitting. (Gen. 18:4; 27:19; Judg. 19:6; Luke 9:14) A relief from the palace of Assyrian King Ashurbanipal depicts him as reclining on a couch and his queen as seated on an elevated chair while feasting. Reclining on couches at meals was apparently also a practice among the Persians. (Esther 7:8) Tables and couches were used at least by some Israelites in Ezekiel’s time.—Ezek. 23:41.

IN THE TIME OF JESUS’ EARTHLY MINISTRY

The general Hebrew custom in the first century C.E. was for persons to wash their hands before eating a meal. This was a ritualistic practice among the