Bible Dictionary
Ahava
Ahava was the river or district in Babylonia where Ezra assembled the returning Jewish exiles, called a fast, and sought God’s protection for their journey to Jerusalem.
Definition
Ahava was a river or district in Babylonia where Ezra gathered the Jewish exiles who were returning to Jerusalem. The company encamped there while preparations were made for the journey.
Biblical Usage
At Ahava, Ezra reviewed the people, found no Levites, and sent for temple ministers. He proclaimed a fast to seek God’s protection, entrusted the temple offerings to priests, and then led the company safely to Jerusalem.
Historical Background
The location remains unidentified. It may have been one of the canals flowing from the Euphrates toward a district or town named Ahava. Another proposal identifies it with Hit on the Euphrates.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Water, the river (Ezra 8:21) by the banks of which the Jewish exiles assembled under Ezra when about to return to Jerusalem from Babylon. In all probability this was one of the streams of Mesopotamia which flowed into the Euphrates somewhere in the north-west of Babylonia. It has, however, been supposed to be the name of a place (Ezra 8:15) now called Hit, on the Euphrates, east of Damascus.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(water), a place, (Ezra 8:15) or a river, Ezra 8:21 On the banks of which Ezra collected the second expedition which returned with him from Babylon to Jerusalem. Perhaps it is the modern Hit, on the Euphrates due east of Damascus.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a-ha'-va ('ahawa'): The river in Babylonia on the banks of which Ezra gathered together the Jews who accompanied him to Jerusalem. At this rendezvous the company encamped for three days to make preparation for the difficult and dangerous journey (Ezr 8:15 ff). On reviewing the people and the priests Ezra found no Levites among them; he therefore sent to Iddo, "the chief at the place Casiphia," a request for ministers for the temple. A number of Levites with 220 Nethinim returned to the rendezvous with the deputation. Ezra had expressed to the king his faith in the protection of God; being, therefore, ashamed to ask for a military escort he proclaimed a fast to seek of God "a straight way." To 12 priests Ezra assigned the care of the offering for the temple in Jerusalem. When all was ready the company "departed from the river Ahava," and journeyed in safety to Jerusalem.</p><p>This river, apparently called after a town or district toward which it flowed (Ezr 8:15), remains unidentified, though many conjectures have been made. Rawlinson thinks it is the "Is" of Herodotus (i.79), now called "Hit," which flowed past a town of the same name in the Euphrates basin, 8 days' journey from Babylon. Some identify the district with "Ivvah" (2Ki 18:34, etc.). Most probably, however, this was one of the numerous canals which intersected Babylonia, flowing from the Euphrates toward a town or district "Ahava." If so, identification is impossible.</p><p>S. F. Hunter</p>