Subject: [b-hebrew] Abdi-H.eba in the Amarna Tablet # 286
Date: Wed, 12 May 2010 00:51:15 -0500
Dear Jim,
In your posts, you have often alluded to Abdi-H.eba *(1), the local ruler of
Jerusalem, in connection with the Hurrians.
In my opinion, Abdi H.eba has nothing to do with the Hurrians. Further,
Abdi H.eba, which has been mentioned in line two of the Amarna Tablet 286 *
(2), is a simple case of onomastics theophory. The following Abdi H.eba
name is derived from the Semitic word Abd (= "obedient" or "servant") added
to the name of the Ancient Egyptian god of inundation, H.eba. Theophoric
names were exceedingly common in the Ancient Near East and especially in
Semitic names.
It makes more sense to find H.eba (the name of an Ancient Egyptian god) in a
personal name, especially in view of the relationship between the vassal
ruler, Abdi H.eba, who owed his position to the grace of his suzerain the
Egyptian Pharaoh.
To know more about the Egyptian god of inundation H.eba, see: Revue
Égyptologique publiée sous la direction de Heinrich Karl Brugsch, François
Joseph Chabas, et Eugène Révillout, Paris, 1880. pages 14 & 17.
A JPEG showing the meaning of the name of the Egyptian god H.eba has been
forwarded to you for your personal edification. Any member who desires a
copy, please send me your request in private. I'll be more than glad to
oblige.
Best regards,
Ishinan Ishibashi
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* (1) H. = A voiceless pharyngeal fricative consonantal sound in Ancient
Egyptian corresponding to Akkadian = kh.
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* (2) Amarna Tablet 286:
Knudtzon, J. A. Die El-Amarna-Tafeln. Vorderasiatische Bibliotek, vol. 2.
Leipzig: J. C. Hinrichs, 1907-1915 (repr. Aalen: O. Zeller, 1964).
1- Message of Abdi-H.eba, your servant:
2- seven times and seven times I fall down.
3- What have I done to the king, my lord?
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[b-hebrew] Abdi-H.eba in the Amarna Tablet # 286,
Ishinan, 05/12/2010