Ava, also referred to as "Avva" in some translations, is a district mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Assyrian conquests and resettlements. The region is noted in 2 Kings 17:24, where it is described as one of the places from which the Assyrian king brought people to repopulate the cities of Samaria after the Israelites were exiled. The Berean Standard Bible states: "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."

Historical Context

Ava was likely a district located near Babylon, part of the vast Assyrian Empire during the 8th century BC. The Assyrian policy of deportation and resettlement was a strategic move to prevent rebellion and to assimilate conquered peoples into the empire. By relocating populations, the Assyrians aimed to dilute nationalistic sentiments and ensure loyalty to the empire.

Cultural and Religious Influence

The people from Ava, along with those from other regions such as Babylon and Hamath, brought with them their own cultural and religious practices. This influx of foreign populations into Samaria led to a syncretism of religious beliefs, which is evident in the subsequent narrative of the Samaritans. The Bible records that these new inhabitants initially did not fear the LORD, prompting God to send lions among them. In response, the Assyrian king sent back an Israelite priest to teach them how to worship the LORD, resulting in a mixed form of worship that combined the fear of the LORD with the worship of their own gods (2 Kings 17:25-33).

Geographical Significance

The exact location of Ava is not definitively known, but it is generally considered to be in the vicinity of Babylon, within the Mesopotamian region. This area was a significant cultural and political center in the ancient Near East, known for its advanced civilization and influence over surrounding territories.

Biblical Significance

The mention of Ava in the Bible highlights the historical context of the Assyrian exile and the resulting cultural and religious changes in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It serves as a backdrop to the complex interactions between the Israelites and the surrounding nations, illustrating the challenges of maintaining religious purity and identity amidst foreign influences.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the account of Ava and the resettlement of Samaria underscores the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God. The exile and the introduction of foreign peoples into the land were direct results of Israel's failure to uphold the covenant with God. This narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and the dangers of syncretism, which can lead to a dilution of true worship and devotion to God.2 Kings 17:24
And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelled in the cities thereof.
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2 Kings 18:34
Where are the gods of Hamath, and of Arpad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?
Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 19:13
Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah?
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What happened to the lost tribes of Israel? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Samaritans? | GotQuestions.org

Ava: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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