Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: The term "Awa" does not appear directly in the canonical texts of the Bible. However, it is relevant in biblical studies and historical contexts, particularly in relation to the Assyrian Empire and its interactions with the people of Israel. The name "Awa" is often associated with the city or region from which certain groups of people originated, especially during the period of the Assyrian exile. Historical Context: The Assyrian Empire, known for its military prowess and expansive conquests, played a significant role in the history of Israel and Judah. During the reign of the Assyrian kings, many regions were conquered, and their inhabitants were relocated as part of the empire's strategy to prevent rebellion and assimilate conquered peoples. This practice is documented in the Bible, particularly in the context of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Biblical References: The most direct reference to the people of Awa is found in the context of the Assyrian resettlement policies. In 2 Kings 17:24 , it is recorded: "Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns." Here, "Avva" is often understood to refer to the people from Awa. Theological Significance: The relocation of the people from Awa and other regions into Samaria had significant theological implications for the Israelites. This event marked a period of syncretism, where the religious practices of the relocated peoples began to mix with those of the Israelites. The Bible records that these new inhabitants did not initially fear the LORD, leading to divine judgment in the form of lions sent among them (2 Kings 17:25). This prompted the Assyrian king to send an Israelite priest back to teach them how to worship the LORD (2 Kings 17:27-28). Cultural and Religious Impact: The introduction of foreign populations, including those from Awa, contributed to the development of the Samaritan identity. The Samaritans, who emerged from this mix of peoples, held a distinct religious tradition that was similar yet separate from mainstream Judaism. This distinction is evident in the New Testament, where Samaritans are often portrayed as distinct from the Jewish people, as seen in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-26). Conclusion: While the term "Awa" itself is not extensively detailed in the Bible, its mention in the context of Assyrian resettlement policies provides insight into the historical and religious dynamics of the period. The integration of the people from Awa into the land of Israel serves as a backdrop for understanding the complex interactions between different cultures and faiths in biblical history. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AWAav'-a `awwa'; the King James Version Ava, a'-va: A province, the people of which Shalmaneser king of Assyria placed in the cities of Samaria in the room of the children of Israel taken into exile by him (2 Kings 17:24). It is probably the same as Ivva (2 Kings 18:34; 2 Kings 19:13 Isaiah 37:13), a province conquered by Assyria. Library The Land O' the Leal A Present Hell. February 23. Index of First Lines 1870-1871. Workers' Meetings at Home of Industry --Training Home ... Thesaurus Awa... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia AWA. av'-a `awwa'; the King James Version Ava, a'-va: A province, the people of which Shalmaneser ... /a/awa.htm - 6k Await (12 Occurrences) Jackal (3 Occurrences) Av'vites (1 Occurrence) Wild (147 Occurrences) Beast (243 Occurrences) Ava (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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