The term "Archevite" appears in the context of the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Ezra. The Archevites are mentioned as one of the groups of people who opposed the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem during the time of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This opposition is recorded in Ezra 4:9-10, where a letter is sent to King Artaxerxes by the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin, listing the various peoples who were involved in the opposition: "From Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates—the judges and officials over Tripolis, Persia, Erech, Babylon, Susa (that is, the Elamites), and the rest of the peoples whom the great and noble Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the city of Samaria and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates."

The Archevites are believed to be associated with the city of Erech, also known as Uruk, which was an ancient city in southern Mesopotamia. This connection is inferred from the context of the passage, where Erech is listed among the regions from which these peoples originated. The city of Erech was one of the major cities of ancient Sumer and later Akkadian empires, known for its significant cultural and historical influence.

In the biblical narrative, the mention of the Archevites and other groups highlights the broader geopolitical dynamics at play during the post-exilic period. The return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem and their efforts to rebuild the temple were met with resistance from various local populations who had settled in the region during the Babylonian exile. These groups, including the Archevites, were likely concerned about the re-establishment of a strong Jewish presence in the area, which could threaten their own political and economic interests.

The opposition from the Archevites and their allies resulted in a temporary halt to the construction of the temple, as recorded in Ezra 4:24: "Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia." This period of opposition and delay underscores the challenges faced by the Jewish community in re-establishing their religious and cultural identity in the land of their ancestors.

The mention of the Archevites in the book of Ezra serves as a reminder of the complex interactions between the returning exiles and the diverse populations inhabiting the region. It also reflects the broader theme of God's providence and faithfulness in overcoming obstacles to fulfill His promises to His people, as the temple was eventually completed under the leadership of Zerubbabel and the encouragement of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah.One of the nations planted by the Assyrians in Samaria (Ezra 4:9); the men of Erech. ARCHEVITE

ar'-ke-vit (Kethibh, 'arkawey; Qere, 'arkewaye'): One of the tribes which Osnappar transplanted to swell the mixed multitudes in the cities of Samaria (Ezra 4:9). The Archevites were the inhabitants of Erech, one of the four cities originally founded by Nimrod in Babylonia. (For its modern site compare Loftus, Travels in Chaldea and Susiana, 162). Marquardt (Fund, 64) emends the text to read di kuthaye', "who are Cuthaeans" (2 Kings 17:24).

756. Arkevaye -- inhab. of Erech
... of Erech NASB Word Usage men of Erech (1). Archevite. (Aramaic) patrial from 'Erek;
an Arkevite (collectively) or native of Erek -- Archevite. see HEBREW 'Erek. ...
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... Easton's Bible Dictionary One of the nations planted by the Assyrians in Samaria
(Ezra 4:9); the men of Erech. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ARCHEVITE. ...
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Arches (13 Occurrences)

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Archevites (1 Occurrence)

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