Topical Encyclopedia See: AvvaAva, also referred to as Avva, is a location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is primarily noted in the context of the Assyrian conquests and the resettlement policies of the Assyrian Empire. The name "Ava" appears in the historical narrative concerning the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the subsequent deportation and resettlement practices employed by the Assyrians. Biblical References: 1. 2 Kings 17:24 : "Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the cities of Samaria in place of the Israelites. They took possession of Samaria and lived in its cities." In this passage, Ava is listed among the places from which the Assyrian king brought people to repopulate the cities of Samaria after the Israelites were exiled. This was a common practice by the Assyrians to prevent rebellion by mixing different populations and diluting national identities. 2. 2 Kings 18:34 : "Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah? Have they rescued Samaria from my hand?" In this verse, Ava is referred to as "Ivvah," which is considered to be another form of the name. The context here is a rhetorical question posed by the Assyrian king Sennacherib, challenging the power of the gods of various nations, including those of Ava, to deliver Samaria from his conquest. Historical and Geographical Context: Ava is believed to have been a city or region located in Mesopotamia, although its precise location remains uncertain. The mention of Ava alongside other known locations such as Babylon and Hamath suggests it was part of the broader Mesopotamian region under Assyrian control. The Assyrian policy of relocating conquered peoples was intended to break the spirit of nationalism and prevent uprisings. By moving people from Ava and other regions into Samaria, the Assyrians aimed to integrate these populations into the empire, thereby stabilizing their control over the newly acquired territories. Cultural and Religious Significance: The reference to the gods of Ava in 2 Kings 18:34 highlights the polytheistic beliefs of the people from this region. The Assyrians, like many ancient Near Eastern cultures, worshiped a pantheon of gods, and the mention of these deities serves to underscore the futility of relying on false gods for deliverance, as emphasized in the biblical narrative. The resettlement of people from Ava into Samaria also had religious implications for the Israelites. The introduction of foreign populations with their own religious practices contributed to the syncretism and idolatry that the prophets of Israel frequently condemned. Conclusion: The biblical references to Ava provide insight into the historical and cultural dynamics of the Assyrian Empire and its interactions with the people of Israel. Ava's mention in the context of Assyrian resettlement policies illustrates the broader theme of divine sovereignty and the futility of idolatry, as portrayed in the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index Ezra 4:9Then 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, Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 5755. Ivvah -- a city conquered by Assyr.... Ava, Ivah. Or eavvae (2 Kings 17:24) {av-vaw'}; for avvah; Ivvah or Avva, a region of Assyria -- Ava, Ivah. see HEBREW avvah. 5754, 5755. Ivvah or Avva. 5756 ... /hebrew/5755.htm - 6k Library Calcutta and the Mission Centres from Delhi to Amboyna We Arrive Now at a Branch of Our Subject Upon which the Lord's ... The Form and Spirit of Religion The Wyclif of the East --Bible Translation Lives of Faith and Trust Resources What happened to the lost tribes of Israel? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Samaritans? | GotQuestions.org Ava: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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