The Archevites are mentioned in the context of the resettlement of Samaria following the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This event is recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of 2 Kings. The Assyrian policy of deportation and resettlement was designed to weaken conquered peoples by removing them from their native lands and mixing them with other populations, thereby reducing the likelihood of rebellion.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to the Archevites is found in 2 Kings 17:24 : "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."

While the Archevites are not explicitly named in this verse, they are understood to be among the groups brought by the Assyrians to inhabit the land of Samaria. The term "Archevites" is derived from the city of Erech (or Uruk), which was one of the prominent cities in ancient Mesopotamia, located in what is now modern-day Iraq. The connection to Erech suggests that the Archevites were part of the broader Mesopotamian population resettled in Samaria.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Assyrian Empire, under kings such as Tiglath-Pileser III, Shalmaneser V, and Sargon II, was known for its military prowess and administrative efficiency. The deportation of the Israelites and the resettlement of foreign populations in Samaria was a strategic move to consolidate Assyrian control over the region. By introducing diverse groups such as the Archevites, the Assyrians aimed to disrupt the social and religious cohesion of the native Israelite population.

The Archevites, along with other resettled peoples, brought their own customs, languages, and religious practices to Samaria. This cultural amalgamation contributed to the development of the distinct Samaritan identity, which was characterized by a syncretism of Israelite and foreign elements. The resulting religious practices were a source of tension between the Samaritans and the returning Jewish exiles from Babylon, as seen in the post-exilic period.

Religious Significance:

The presence of the Archevites and other foreign groups in Samaria had significant religious implications. The introduction of foreign deities and practices led to a dilution of the worship of Yahweh, which the biblical narrative often condemns as idolatry. In 2 Kings 17:29-33 , it is noted that each group made its own gods and placed them in the high places of Samaria, leading to a syncretistic form of worship that was contrary to the covenantal faith of Israel.

The biblical account emphasizes the theological perspective that the resettlement and subsequent religious practices were a result of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of idolatry and the importance of maintaining covenant fidelity.

Legacy:

The Archevites, as part of the resettled populations in Samaria, played a role in the complex history of the region. Their presence contributed to the ethnic and religious diversity that characterized Samaria in the centuries leading up to the New Testament period. The tensions between Jews and Samaritans, evident in the Gospels, can be traced back to these historical developments.

In summary, the Archevites were one of several groups resettled in Samaria by the Assyrians, contributing to the region's cultural and religious landscape. Their account is intertwined with the broader narrative of Israel's history and serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of Assyrian policies on the ancient Near East.Ezra 4:9
Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, and the Elamites,
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