The Avvites, also referred to as Avvim, are a people mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. They are primarily noted in the context of the conquest narratives of the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land. The Avvites are associated with the region of Philistia, particularly in the area that would later become part of the territory of the Philistines.

Biblical References:

1. Deuteronomy 2:23 : "As for the Avvites who lived in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorim, who came from Caphtor, destroyed them and settled in their place." This passage indicates that the Avvites were displaced by the Caphtorim, a people often identified with the Philistines. The Avvites originally inhabited villages extending to Gaza, a significant city in the southwestern part of Canaan.

2. Joshua 13:3 : "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." Here, the Avvites are mentioned alongside the Philistine rulers, suggesting their presence in the same geographical region. This inclusion implies that the Avvites were part of the broader Canaanite cultural and ethnic milieu.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Avvites are considered one of the lesser-known groups within the Canaanite population. Their mention in the Bible is brief, and much of their history and culture remain obscure. The displacement by the Caphtorim suggests a period of significant upheaval and migration in the ancient Near East, which was not uncommon as various groups vied for control over the fertile and strategically important lands of Canaan.

The Avvites' association with the Philistines, who are more prominently featured in biblical narratives, indicates that they were part of the complex tapestry of peoples inhabiting the region. The Philistines themselves are often described as coming from Caphtor, which is generally identified with Crete or other Aegean islands, suggesting a possible connection or shared ancestry with the Avvites.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of the Avvites in the biblical text serves to underscore the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites regarding the conquest of Canaan. The displacement of the Avvites by the Caphtorim, and subsequently the Israelites' conquest of the land, is seen as part of the divine plan to establish Israel in the Promised Land. The narrative highlights the sovereignty of God over the nations and His ability to orchestrate historical events to achieve His purposes.

The Avvites, like many other Canaanite groups, are depicted as part of the indigenous population that the Israelites were commanded to displace. This reflects the biblical theme of God's judgment on the Canaanite nations for their idolatry and moral corruption, as well as His covenant faithfulness to Israel.

Archaeological Insights:

Archaeological evidence regarding the Avvites is limited, and much of what is known comes from biblical references. The lack of substantial archaeological data makes it challenging to construct a detailed picture of their society and culture. However, the general archaeological understanding of the region during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age provides context for the movements and interactions of various peoples, including the Avvites.

In summary, the Avvites are a minor yet significant group within the biblical narrative, representing the complex interactions and divine orchestration of events in the ancient Near East as described in the Scriptures.8662. Tartaq -- a god of the Avvites
... 8661, 8662. Tartaq. 8663 . a god of the Avvites. Transliteration: Tartaq
Phonetic Spelling: (tar-tawk') Short Definition: Tartak. ...
/hebrew/8662.htm - 5k

5026. Nibchaz -- a god of the Avvites
... 5025, 5026. Nibchaz. 5027 . a god of the Avvites. Transliteration: Nibchaz
Phonetic Spelling: (nib-khaz') Short Definition: Nibhaz. ...
/hebrew/5026.htm - 5k

5757. Avvi -- inhab. of Avva
... Avvi. 5758 . inhab. of Avva. Transliteration: Avvi Phonetic Spelling: (av-vee')
Short Definition: Avvites. ... of Avva NASB Word Usage Avvites (1). Avims, Avites. ...
/hebrew/5757.htm - 6k

5761. Avvim -- a city in Benjamin, also a people on the SW coast ...
... Avim. Plural of Avviy; Avvim (as inhabited by Avvites), a place in Palestine (with
the article prefix) -- Avim. see HEBREW Avviy. 5760, 5761. Avvim. 5762 . ...
/hebrew/5761.htm - 6k

Avvites (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Avvites (3 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 2:23 And
the Avvites who dwelt in the hamlets as far as Gazah the ...
/a/avvites.htm - 7k

Nibhaz (1 Occurrence)
... NIBHAZ. nib'-haz (nibhchaz): Given as the name of an idol of the Avvites, introduced
by them into Samaria (2 Kings 17:31), but otherwise unknown. ...
/n/nibhaz.htm - 7k

Gazah (16 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Deuteronomy 2:23 And the Avvites who dwelt in the hamlets as far as Gazah
the Caphtorim, who came out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead ...
/g/gazah.htm - 11k

Tartak (1 Occurrence)
... TARTAK. tar'-tak (tartaq): In 2 Kings 17:31 mentioned as the name of an idol of
the Avvites, one of the peoples sent by Shalmaneser to the cities of Samaria. ...
/t/tartak.htm - 7k

Avvite (1 Occurrence)
... which is counted to the Canaanite; five lordships of the Philistines: of Gazah,
and of Ashdod, of Eshkalon, of Gath, and of Ekron; also the Avvites; (Root in ...
/a/avvite.htm - 6k

Av'vites (1 Occurrence)
Av'vites. Avvites, Av'vites. Awa . Multi-Version Concordance Av'vites (1
Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Avvites, Av'vites. Awa . Reference Bible.
/a/av'vites.htm - 6k

Floweth (16 Occurrences)
... and which is counted to the Canaanite; five lordships of the Philistines: of Gazah,
and of Ashdod, of Eshkalon, of Gath, and of Ekron; also the Avvites; (DBY). ...
/f/floweth.htm - 11k

Adram'melech (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 17:31 and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt
their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim ...
/a/adram'melech.htm - 7k

Adrammelech (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 17:31 and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burnt
their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim ...
/a/adrammelech.htm - 8k

Anam'melech (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Kings 17:31 and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt
their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim ...
/a/anam'melech.htm - 6k

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