Introduction:
Ivva, also referred to as Avva or Awwa, is a location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is one of the cities whose inhabitants were relocated by the Assyrian Empire during their conquests. The historical and biblical context of Ivva provides insight into the Assyrian policy of deportation and resettlement, which played a significant role in the history of the ancient Near East.

Biblical References:
Ivva is mentioned in the context of the Assyrian campaigns against the Kingdom of Israel and other neighboring regions. The primary biblical reference to Ivva is found in 2 Kings 18:34 and 19:13, as well as in Isaiah 37:13. These passages are part of the narrative concerning the Assyrian king Sennacherib's invasion of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah.

· 2 Kings 18:34 : "Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivva? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand?"
· 2 Kings 19:13 : "Where are the kings of Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivva?"
· Isaiah 37:13 : "Where are the kings of Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivva?"

Historical Context:
Ivva was one of several cities conquered by the Assyrians, who were known for their military prowess and strategic deportation practices. The Assyrians would often relocate conquered peoples to prevent rebellion and to integrate them into the empire. This policy is evident in the biblical accounts of the Northern Kingdom of Israel's fall in 722 BC, when the Assyrians deported many Israelites and resettled people from other regions, including Ivva, in their place.

Geographical Location:
The exact location of Ivva is not definitively known, but it is believed to have been situated in Mesopotamia, possibly near the Euphrates River. Some scholars suggest it may have been located in the region of modern-day Iraq or Syria. The city's mention alongside other known locations such as Hamath and Arpad suggests it was part of a network of cities under Assyrian control.

Religious Significance:
The biblical references to Ivva highlight the futility of relying on the gods of conquered cities for deliverance. The rhetorical questions posed by the Assyrian envoys emphasize the powerlessness of these deities compared to the God of Israel. This theme is consistent with the biblical narrative that underscores the sovereignty of the God of Israel over all nations and their gods.

Cultural Impact:
The mention of Ivva in the Bible serves as a reminder of the historical interactions between the Israelites and the surrounding nations. It reflects the broader geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East, where empires like Assyria exerted significant influence over smaller kingdoms. The deportation and resettlement practices of the Assyrians had lasting effects on the cultural and demographic landscape of the region.

Conclusion:
While Ivva itself is not a major focus in the biblical narrative, its inclusion in the accounts of Assyrian conquests provides valuable context for understanding the historical and theological themes present in the Old Testament. The fate of Ivva and its inhabitants serves as a testament to the shifting powers and divine sovereignty depicted in the biblical text.Ivva (1 Occurrence)

Isaiah 37:13
Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah?'"
(Root in WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ivva (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ivva (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 37:13 Where is the
king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the ...
/i/ivva.htm - 6k

Ivvah (3 Occurrences)

/i/ivvah.htm - 9k

Ivory (13 Occurrences)

/i/ivory.htm - 17k

Awa
... 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. ...
/a/awa.htm - 6k

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