### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻIvvâh**, represented by `{{H5755}}`, is a proper name for a region in Assyria, also rendered as **Ava** or **Ivah**. It is found **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The term refers specifically to a location whose inhabitants were part of the Assyrian empire's resettlement policies and whose conquest was used as a point of intimidation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5755}}` first appears as **Ava** in the context of the resettlement of Samaria{H8111} after the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel. The king{H4428} of Assyria{H804} brought people from **Ava**{H5755}, along with others from Babylon{H894} and Cuthah{H3575}, to occupy the cities{H5892} of Samaria{H8111} [[2 Kings 17:24]]. Later, the name appears as **Ivah** in the taunts of the Assyrian officials against King Hezekiah. They question the power of the gods of conquered lands, asking, "where are the gods of... **Ivah**{H5755}?" to imply that Judah's God would also fail to deliver them [[2 Kings 18:34]]. This same rhetorical question about the king{H4428} of **Ivah**{H5755} is repeated by the king of Assyria in his threatening letter to Hezekiah ([[2 Kings 19:13]], [[Isaiah 37:13]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other place names are consistently associated with `{{H5755}}`, highlighting the scope of Assyrian conquest:
* `{{H2574}}` **Chămâth** (Hamath): A walled city in Syria. It is mentioned in all four verses alongside **Ava**{H5755} or **Ivah**{H5755} as a prime example of a conquered kingdom ([[2 Kings 17:24]], [[2 Kings 18:34]]).
* `{{H774}}` **ʼArpâd** (Arpad): A place in Syria whose name means "spread out." The fall of **Arpad** is used in conjunction with **Ivah**{H5755} in Assyrian threats to demonstrate the futility of resistance ([[2 Kings 18:34]], [[2 Kings 19:13]]).
* `{{H5617}}` **Çᵉpharvayim** (Sepharvites): A region whose people were also resettled by the Assyrians and whose gods were deemed powerless. It appears alongside **Ivah**{H5755} in every instance of its use ([[2 Kings 17:24]], [[2 Kings 18:34]]).
* `{{H804}}` **ʼAshshûwr** (Assyria): The empire that serves as the main antagonist in these narratives. The king{H4428} of **Assyria**{H804} is the one who deports people from **Ava**{H5755} and later boasts of its conquest [[2 Kings 17:24]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5755}}` is tied to its role in the narrative of God's sovereignty over arrogant empires.
* **Historical Marker of Exile:** The initial reference to **Ava**{H5755} establishes a key historical event: the Assyrian policy of exiling populations and repopulating conquered territories to destroy national identity and prevent rebellion [[2 Kings 17:24]].
* **Symbol of Pagan Weakness:** In the taunts against Hezekiah, **Ivah**{H5755} is not just a place but a symbol. It represents a nation whose king{H4428} and gods were utterly defeated by Assyria, serving as a rhetorical weapon to create fear and doubt [[2 Kings 18:34]].
* **Instrument of Divine Rebuke:** The Assyrian king's boast about conquering **Ivah**{H5755} and other kingdoms is an act of supreme pride. This arrogance, listing defeated cities as proof of his own power, sets the stage for God's subsequent judgment upon Assyria{H804} for failing to recognize its role as a mere instrument in God's hands.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5755}}` is more than just a geographical reference. It functions as a historical anchor, marking the Assyrian resettlement of Samaria{H8111}, and as a powerful rhetorical device. The name **Ivah** is invoked by the Assyrian empire as proof of its invincibility, but within the biblical narrative, it ultimately highlights the impotence of worldly kingdoms and their gods when set against the sovereign power of the God of Israel.
TRV