The Avites were a people group mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the resettlement of Samaria following the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The historical and biblical account of the Avites provides insight into the Assyrian policy of population displacement and the resulting religious syncretism in the region.

Biblical References

The primary biblical reference to the Avites is found in 2 Kings 17:24, which 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." . This passage highlights the Assyrian strategy of relocating conquered peoples to prevent rebellion and to assimilate them into the empire.

Historical Context

The Avites, along with other groups such as the Babylonians, Cuthites, Hamathites, and Sepharvites, were brought to Samaria by the Assyrian king, likely Sargon II, after the fall of Samaria in 722 B.C. The Assyrians were known for their practice of deporting and resettling populations to consolidate control over their vast empire. This policy aimed to dilute nationalistic fervor and to integrate diverse cultures under Assyrian rule.

Religious Practices

The Avites, like the other colonists, brought their own religious practices and deities to Samaria. 2 Kings 17:31 notes, "The Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak." . These deities were part of the pantheon worshiped by the Avites, reflecting their polytheistic beliefs. The introduction of these foreign gods contributed to the religious syncretism in Samaria, where the worship of Yahweh was mixed with the worship of other deities.

Impact on Samaria

The resettlement of the Avites and other groups in Samaria had significant religious and cultural implications. The intermingling of different peoples and their religious practices led to a blending of beliefs, which was viewed negatively by the authors of the biblical texts. The syncretism that resulted from this mixture was seen as a departure from the worship of Yahweh alone, which was central to the covenantal identity of Israel.

The presence of the Avites and their religious practices in Samaria is part of the broader narrative of the Northern Kingdom's spiritual decline, as described in the biblical account. The introduction of foreign gods and the failure to adhere to the worship of Yahweh alone were seen as reasons for the judgment and eventual exile of the Israelites.

Legacy

The Avites, as part of the colonists of Samaria, contributed to the complex cultural and religious landscape of the region. Their legacy is intertwined with the history of the Samaritans, who emerged as a distinct group with their own religious identity. The tensions between the Samaritans and the Jews in later periods can be traced back to these historical events and the diverse influences that shaped the region.

In summary, the Avites were one of several groups resettled in Samaria by the Assyrians, bringing with them their own religious practices and contributing to the syncretistic environment that characterized the region in the aftermath of the Assyrian conquest.2 Kings 17:31
And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.
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