The Avims, also referred to as Avvites, are a people group mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. They are primarily noted in the context of the conquest narratives and territorial descriptions of the Promised Land. The Avims are associated with the region of Philistia, particularly in the area that would later become part of the inheritance of the Israelites.

Biblical References:

The primary biblical reference to the Avims is found in Deuteronomy 2:23: "As for the Avvites who lived in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorites, who came from Crete, destroyed them and settled in their place." . This passage situates the Avims in the southwestern part of Canaan, near the Philistine cities, and indicates that they were displaced by the Caphtorites, who are often identified with the Philistines.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The Avims are believed to have been one of the earlier inhabitants of the land before the arrival of the Israelites. Their mention alongside the Caphtorites suggests a period of significant migration and displacement in the ancient Near East. The Avims' territory is described as extending to Gaza, a major city in the Philistine pentapolis, indicating their presence in a strategically important and fertile region.

Cultural and Ethnological Considerations:

Little is known about the specific cultural practices or societal structure of the Avims due to the brevity of their mention in the biblical text. However, their identification as living in "villages" suggests a settled, agrarian lifestyle. The displacement by the Caphtorites implies that the Avims were part of the complex tapestry of peoples in Canaan, each with their own distinct identity and history.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of the Avims serves to underscore the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites regarding the land of Canaan. The displacement of the Avims by the Caphtorites, and subsequently the Israelites' conquest of the land, is seen as part of the divine orchestration of history to establish Israel in the Promised Land. This narrative highlights themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, and the unfolding of God's covenantal promises.

Related Peoples:

The Avims are often mentioned in conjunction with other ancient peoples such as the Caphtorites and Philistines. The interactions and conflicts among these groups reflect the dynamic and often tumultuous history of the region. Understanding the Avims within this broader context provides insight into the complex historical and cultural landscape of ancient Canaan.

In summary, the Avims, though briefly mentioned, play a role in the biblical narrative of conquest and settlement, illustrating the broader themes of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.AVIMS

av'-imz (Deuteronomy 2:23). See AVVIM.

5757. Avvi -- inhab. of Avva
... of Avva NASB Word Usage Avvites (1). Avims, Avites. Patrial from Ivvah; an Avvite
or native of Avvah (only plural) -- Avims, Avites. see HEBREW Ivvah. ...
/hebrew/5757.htm - 6k

A Great Part of South Judea Cut Off under the Second Temple. ...
... It was anciently inhabited by the Avites,"namely, from Gaza to the river
of Egypt. "The Avims dwelt in Hazerim," Deuteronomy 2:23. ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 3 a great part.htm

Avims (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia AVIMS. av'-imz (Deuteronomy 2:23). See
AVVIM. Multi-Version Concordance Avims (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/avims.htm - 6k

Avim (3 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 2:23 And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, even unto Azzah, the Caphtorims,
which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their ...
/a/avim.htm - 7k

Gaza (22 Occurrences)
... Its earliest inhabitants were the Avims, who were conquered and displaced by the
Caphtorims (Deuteronomy 2:23; Joshua 13:2, 3), a Philistine tribe. ...
/g/gaza.htm - 19k

Caphtorims (1 Occurrence)
... Deuteronomy 2:23 And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, even unto Azzah, the Caphtorims,
which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their ...
/c/caphtorims.htm - 6k

Avites (2 Occurrences)

/a/avites.htm - 7k

Azzah (4 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 2:23 And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, even unto Azzah, the Caphtorims,
which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their ...
/a/azzah.htm - 8k

Hazerim (1 Occurrence)
... Deuteronomy 2:23 And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, even unto Azzah, the Caphtorims,
which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their ...
/h/hazerim.htm - 7k

Stead (117 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 2:23 And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, even unto Azzah, the Caphtorims,
which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their ...
/s/stead.htm - 38k

Dwelt (307 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 2:23 And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, even unto Azzah, the Caphtorims,
which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their ...
/d/dwelt.htm - 36k

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