Topical Encyclopedia The Avites, also referred to as Avvites, are a people mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. They are one of the ancient groups that inhabited the land of Canaan before the arrival of the Israelites. The Avites are specifically noted in the context of the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua.Biblical References The primary biblical reference to the Avites is found in the Book of Joshua. In Joshua 13:3, the Avites are listed among the inhabitants of the land that remained to be conquered by the Israelites: "from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron northward, all of it counted as Canaanite; the five rulers of the Philistines—the Gazites, Ashdodites, Ashkelonites, Gittites, and Ekronites—and the Avvites" . This passage indicates that the Avites were located in the region that would later be associated with the Philistines, suggesting they were part of the broader Canaanite population. Another mention of the Avites is found in 2 Kings 17:31, where they are described in the context of the Assyrian resettlement policy. After the fall of Samaria, the Assyrians relocated various peoples into the region of Samaria, including the Avites: "The Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim" . This passage highlights the Avites' idolatrous practices, which were common among the pagan nations surrounding Israel. Historical and Cultural Context The Avites, like many of the Canaanite tribes, were known for their polytheistic and idolatrous religious practices. The reference in 2 Kings to their worship of Nibhaz and Tartak suggests that they had their own distinct deities, which were part of the broader Canaanite pantheon. The Avites' religious practices, including child sacrifice, were abominations in the eyes of the Israelites and their God, Yahweh. The Avites' presence in the land of Canaan and their eventual displacement by the Israelites is consistent with the biblical narrative of the conquest of Canaan. The Israelites were commanded by God to drive out the inhabitants of the land due to their idolatry and moral corruption, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:1-5. The Avites, as part of this group, were subject to the same divine mandate. Archaeological and Historical Insights While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying the Avites is limited, the broader context of Canaanite culture and society provides insights into their way of life. The Canaanites were known for their advanced urban centers, trade networks, and religious practices, which often included temple worship and various forms of idolatry. The Avites, as part of this cultural milieu, would have shared in these characteristics. Their mention alongside the Philistines in Joshua 13 suggests that they may have had interactions or conflicts with these neighboring groups, who were also significant players in the region during the biblical period. Theological Significance The Avites serve as a representation of the pagan nations that the Israelites encountered in their divinely ordained mission to settle the Promised Land. Their idolatrous practices and eventual displacement underscore the biblical theme of God's holiness and the call for His people to remain separate from the corrupting influences of surrounding nations. The narrative of the Avites, like that of other Canaanite tribes, serves as a reminder of the consequences of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to the covenant with Yahweh. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AVVIM; AVITESav'-im a'-vits `awwim; Heuaioi, also unaspirated; (also used to represent the name of the Hivites): The early inhabitants of the southern extremity of Canaan afterward occupied by the Philistines (Deuteronomy 2:23; compare Jos 13:3, 4, the King James Version "Avim," a'-vim). AVITES a'-vits. See AVVIM. Strong's Hebrew 5757. Avvi -- inhab. of Avva... of Avva NASB Word Usage Avvites (1). Avims, Avites. Patrial from Ivvah; an Avvite or native of Avvah (only plural) -- Avims, Avites. see HEBREW Ivvah. ... /hebrew/5757.htm - 6k 5026. Nibchaz -- a god of the Avvites Library A Great Part of South Judea Cut Off under the Second Temple. ... Thesaurus Avites (2 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia AVVIM; AVITES. av ... Gaza. AVITES. a'-vits. See AVVIM. Multi-Version Concordance Avites (2 Occurrences). ... /a/avites.htm - 7k Nibhaz (1 Occurrence) Gazathites (2 Occurrences) Gazathite (1 Occurrence) Eshkalon (1 Occurrence) Eshkalonites (1 Occurrence) Eshkalonite (1 Occurrence) Avims (1 Occurrence) Avim (3 Occurrences) Avvim (3 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Avites (2 Occurrences)Joshua 13:3 2 Kings 17:31 Subtopics Avites: A Nation in Southern Part of Canaan Related Terms |
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