Lexical Summary Avith or Ayyoth or Ayyuth: Avith Original Word: עֲוִית Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Avith Or (perhaps Ayowth {ah-yoth'}, as if plural of Ay) cayuwth {ah-yoth'}; from avah; ruin; Avvith (or Avvoth), a place in Palestine -- Avith. see HEBREW Ay see HEBREW avah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a place in Edom NASB Translation Avith (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs עֲוִית proper name, of a location in Edom Genesis 36:35 #NAME? 1 Chronicles 1:46 (Kt עיות); ᵐ5 Γεθθαιμ, but ᵐ5L 1 Chronicles 1:46 Ευιθ. עיות Kt see עֲוִית. Topical Lexicon Name and MeaningAvith (עֲוִית, Strong’s Hebrew 5762) designates a royal city in Edom during the patriarchal period. Although its exact etymology is debated, the root consonants align with terms for “twisting” or “perversion,” yet contextually the word functions as a proper noun without theological judgment upon the city itself. Biblical Occurrences 1. Genesis 36:35 – “Hadad son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place; the name of his city was Avith.” These two citations constitute the entirety of the biblical record, each preserving the city’s role as the court of one of Edom’s ancient monarchs. Historical and Geographical Setting Avith belonged to the territory of Edom, the nation descending from Esau. While archaeologists have not identified the site with certainty, the context of Hadad’s victory “in the field of Moab” implies a northern Edomite or Trans-Jordan locale, strategically situated near trade routes connecting southern Canaan, Moab, and the Arabian deserts. Its mention alongside Midian and Moab situates Avith within a matrix of early second-millennium peoples whose movements shaped the region long before Israel’s monarchy emerged. Role in the Edomite Monarchy The king lists in Genesis 36 and 1 Chronicles 1 portray eight successive rulers who “reigned in Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites” (Genesis 36:31). The inclusion of Avith underscores Edom’s organized political structure centuries prior to Saul. Hadad’s military exploit against Midian illustrates Edom’s regional ambitions, and Avith served as the administrative heart from which he projected power. The brevity of the record guards against speculation, yet the narrative demonstrates that God’s covenant people developed amid already-established nations possessing their own capitals, economies, and military capabilities. Relationship to Israel’s Story The genealogical notices fulfill multiple purposes: • They trace God’s faithfulness to Abraham’s wider family, for Esau too received a heritage (Genesis 36:6-8). Avith, therefore, is a literary marker reminding Israel of God’s sovereign ordering of nations and times (Acts 17:26). Theological Reflections 1. Divine Sovereignty in Human History The existence of Avith and its king affirms that “the Most High is sovereign over all the kingdoms of men” (Daniel 4:17). Even cities unnamed outside Scripture stand under His providence. 2. The Certainty of God’s Promises The chronicling of Edomite capitals exemplifies God’s fulfillment of His word to Esau while simultaneously preserving a distinct destiny for Jacob. This duality showcases both common grace and covenant grace. 3. The Fleeting Nature of Earthly Power Avith once housed a victorious king, yet it vanished from the historical map. “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:17) Ministry Insights • Preaching and Teaching: Avith can serve as an illustrative backdrop for sermons on humility, contrasting temporary human kingdoms with the eternal Kingdom of God. Further Study For deeper exploration, consult commentaries on Genesis 36 and 1 Chronicles 1, archaeological surveys of Edom, and theological works on biblical genealogies and the doctrine of providence. Forms and Transliterations עֲוִֽית׃ עוית׃ ‘ă·wîṯ ‘ăwîṯ aVitLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 36:35 HEB: וְשֵׁ֥ם עִיר֖וֹ עֲוִֽית׃ NAS: and the name of his city was Avith. KJV: of his city [was] Avith. INT: and the name of his city was Avith 1 Chronicles 1:46 2 Occurrences |
    |