or עַוָּא; (2 Kings 17:24), for עַוָּה; Ivvah or Avva, a region of Assyria; Ava, Ivah.
Transliteration:ʻIvvâh
Pronunciation:iv-vaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עִוָּה (ʻIvvâh), Strong's number `{{H5755}}`, functions as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location. Its core meaning is purely denotative, identifying a region within the vast Assyrian Empire. The provided definition notes orthographic variations such as עַוָּא and עַוָּה, all referring to the same entity, often transliterated as Ivvah or Avva. Unlike verbs or abstract nouns, עִוָּה possesses no inherent semantic range beyond its identity as a place name; its significance is derived entirely from its contextual usage in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary, if not sole, biblical occurrence of עִוָּה is found in [[2 Kings 17:24]]. This verse is situated within a critical passage detailing the aftermath of the Assyrian conquest and exile of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Following the fall of Samaria, the king of Assyria implemented a policy of population transfer, relocating peoples from various conquered territories into the depopulated cities of Samaria. [[2 Kings 17:24]] states: "And the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Avva, 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 dwelt in the cities thereof."
The inclusion of עִוָּה in this list underscores the broad scope of the Assyrian policy, bringing diverse ethnic and religious groups into the former Israelite heartland. The subsequent verses in [[2 Kings 17]] elaborate on the religious practices these new inhabitants brought with them, including their own deities. The people from Avva, for instance, are later associated with the gods Nibhaz and Tartak in [[2 Kings 17:31]], further illustrating the syncretistic religious landscape that emerged in Samaria. Thus, עִוָּה serves as a specific geographical marker contributing to the historical and theological narrative of Israel's judgment and the subsequent transformation of the Samaritan population.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, עִוָּה does not have direct etymological "related words" in the typical sense of a word study. However, its contextual appearance links it to several significant biblical concepts and geographical entities:
* **Assyria (`{{H804}}`):** עִוָּה is explicitly identified as a region of Assyria, highlighting the imperial power that orchestrated the exile and repopulation.
* **Exile (e.g., גָּלָה `{{H1540}}`):** The presence of people from עִוָּה in Samaria is a direct consequence of the exile of the Israelites, emphasizing the theme of divine judgment and displacement.
* **Other Repopulated Regions:** עִוָּה is consistently mentioned alongside other foreign cities or regions from which people were brought: Babylon (`{{H894}}`), Cuthah (`{{H3574}}`), Hamath (`{{H2406}}`), and Sepharvaim (`{{H5616}}`). This collective list paints a picture of the diverse origins of the new Samaritan populace.
* **Samaria (`{{H8111}}`):** The destination of the people from עִוָּה, linking the foreign region to the former capital of the Northern Kingdom.
* **Idolatry and Syncretism (e.g., אֱלֹהִים `{{H430}}` for foreign gods):** The new inhabitants, including those from עִוָּה, brought their own deities and religious practices, leading to a mixed form of worship that was anathema to Yahwism.
### Theological Significance
While עִוָּה itself is merely a geographical name, its biblical context imbues it with profound theological significance within the larger narrative of God's covenant with Israel and His sovereign control over history.
1. **Divine Judgment and Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The repopulation of Samaria by foreign peoples, including those from עִוָּה, is presented as a direct consequence of the Northern Kingdom's persistent idolatry and disobedience to God's covenant. It signifies the complete dissolution of Israel's distinct national and religious identity in that region, serving as a stark illustration of God's judgment against unfaithfulness (cf. [[2 Kings 17:7-23]]).
2. **The Nature of Foreign Influence and Syncretism:** The people from עִוָּה contributed to the religious syncretism that characterized Samaria. Their bringing of foreign gods (e.g., Nibhaz and Tartak) into the land previously dedicated to Yahweh worship underscores the dangers of religious compromise and the corruption that results from mingling the worship of the true God with pagan practices. This serves as a cautionary tale against spiritual impurity.
3. **God's Sovereignty Over Nations:** The Assyrian king's actions, including the forced migration of peoples from regions like עִוָּה, are ultimately depicted as instruments in God's hand. Even the movements of obscure foreign populations serve the divine purpose of judgment and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty, extending even to the geopolitical maneuvers of powerful empires.
### Summary
עִוָּה (`{{H5755}}`) is a proper noun referring to a specific region within Assyria. Its singular biblical appearance in [[2 Kings 17:24]] places it within the historical account of the Assyrian repopulation of Samaria following the exile of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Though merely a place name, עִוָּה carries significant theological weight by its association with divine judgment, the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness, and the subsequent introduction of foreign idolatry and syncretism into the land. It serves as a detail within the broader narrative demonstrating God's sovereign control over nations and His righteous dealings with His covenant people.
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