Ivah
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Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:
Ivah is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Assyrian conquests. It is referenced in the narrative of the Assyrian king's campaign against the Kingdom of Israel and Judah. The mention of Ivah provides insight into the historical and geopolitical landscape during the period of the divided kingdoms.

Biblical References:
Ivah is mentioned in 2 Kings 18:34 and 19:13, as well as in Isaiah 37:13. These passages are part of the narrative concerning the Assyrian king Sennacherib's invasion of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah.

· 2 Kings 18:34 : "Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand?"
· 2 Kings 19:13 : "Where are the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and of Ivah?"
· Isaiah 37:13 : "Where is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and of Ivah?"

Historical Context:
Ivah is often associated with the Assyrian Empire's expansion and its policy of relocating conquered peoples. The Assyrians were known for their military prowess and their strategy of deporting populations to prevent rebellion and to assimilate them into the empire. Ivah, along with other cities mentioned, represents the regions and peoples that fell under Assyrian control.

Geographical Identification:
The exact location of Ivah is not definitively known, but it is generally believed to be in Mesopotamia, possibly near the Euphrates River. Some scholars suggest it may be identified with the city of Ava or Ahava, though these identifications remain speculative.

Theological Significance:
The mention of Ivah in the biblical text serves to highlight the futility of relying on foreign gods and powers in the face of the true God of Israel. The rhetorical questions posed by the Assyrian envoys emphasize the impotence of the gods of the conquered cities, contrasting them with the power of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This underscores the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to deliver His people despite overwhelming odds.

Cultural and Religious Implications:
The reference to Ivah and its gods reflects the polytheistic practices of the surrounding nations, which stood in contrast to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh by the Israelites. The narrative serves as a reminder of the distinct identity and faith of the Israelites amidst a world of diverse and often conflicting religious beliefs.

Conclusion:
While Ivah itself is not a central focus of the biblical narrative, its mention contributes to the broader account of God's dealings with the nations and His protection of His covenant people. The historical and theological implications of Ivah's inclusion in the biblical text offer valuable insights into the nature of God's sovereignty and the challenges faced by His people in maintaining their faith amidst external pressures.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Ivah

iniquity

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Ivah

(ruined), or Ava , which is mentioned in Scripture twice, (2 Kings 18:34; 19:13) comp. Isai 37:13 In connection with Hena and Sepharvaim, and once, (2 Kings 17:24) in connection with Babylon and Cuthah, must be sought in Babylonia, and is probably identical with the modern Hit, on the Euphrates.

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Overturning, a city of the Assyrians, whence colonists were brought to Samaria (2 Kings 18:34; 19:13). It lay on the Euphrates, between Sepharvaim and Henah, and is supposed by some to have been the Ahava of Ezra (8:15).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
IVAH

i'-va.

See IVVAH.

Strong's Hebrew
5755. Ivvah -- a city conquered by Assyr.
... Ava, Ivah. Or eavvae (2 Kings 17:24) {av-vaw'}; for avvah; Ivvah or Avva, a region
of Assyria -- Ava, Ivah. see HEBREW avvah. 5754, 5755. Ivvah or Avva. 5756 ...
/hebrew/5755.htm - 6k
Library

Deliverance from Assyria
... Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the
city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah?" 2 Kings 19:10-13. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 30 deliverance from assyria.htm

Thesaurus
Ivah (3 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. IVAH. i'-va. See IVVAH. Multi-Version Concordance Ivah
(3 Occurrences). 2 Kings 18:34 Where are the gods of Hamath, and of Arpad? ...
/i/ivah.htm - 7k

I've (7 Occurrences)
I've. Ivah, I've. Ivory . Noah Webster's Dictionary (cont.) Colloquial contraction
of I have. ... (See NIV). Ivah, I've. Ivory . Reference Bible.
/i/i've.htm - 8k

It-wither (1 Occurrence)
It-wither. Iturea, It-wither. Ivah . Multi-Version Concordance It-wither (1
Occurrence). ... (See NAS). Iturea, It-wither. Ivah . Reference Bible.
/i/it-wither.htm - 6k

Ava (1 Occurrence)
... A place in Assyria from which colonies were brought to Samaria (2 Kings 17:24).
It is probably the same with Ivah (18:34; 19:13; Isaiah 37:13). ...
/a/ava.htm - 7k

Arphad (2 Occurrences)
... (KJV). Isaiah 37:13 Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arphad, and
the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? (KJV). ...
/a/arphad.htm - 8k

Hena (3 Occurrences)
... Cheyne (Encyclopaedia Biblica, under the word) says of the phrase "Hena and Ivah"
that "underlying this is a witty editorial suggestion that the existence of ...
/h/hena.htm - 8k

Resources
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Concordance
Ivah (3 Occurrences)

2 Kings 18:34
Where are the gods of Hamath, and of Arpad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? have they delivered Samaria out of mine hand?
(KJV WBS)

2 Kings 19:13
Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah?
(KJV WBS)

Isaiah 37:13
Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arphad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah?
(KJV WBS)

Subtopics

Ivah

Ivah: A District in Babylon Conquered by the Assyrians

Related Terms

I've (7 Occurrences)

It-wither (1 Occurrence)

Ava (1 Occurrence)

Arphad (2 Occurrences)

Hena (3 Occurrences)

It-wither
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