Habiru

The Apiru ( Ugaritic ˁ apiru; Babylonian Habiru, Habiru; ancient Egyptian Aper (u)) are a well known from various sources altorientalischenen people group in the area of the Levant around 1200 BC

Etymology

The etymology is unclear secure. This serves as the basis Akkadian verb HPR designated individuals who are at a Apiru, referring to volatile debtors or slaves. From this form, the Babylonian form Habiru developed. Cross the possible meanings, plunder, dusty are without evidence and therefore make guesses dar.

Similar Babylonian names šaggāšum, SA.GAZ, ḫabbâtum may be associated with the amurritischen Apiru in combination, probably refers to robbers, highwaymen and homeless and might think in a broader sense lawless or without rights.

For ancient Egypt are different names meanings. The term ˁ pr ( w) could be used for ship's crew, company, winemakers and grape treader; in the Expansion sẖ3w ˁ pr ( w) for the workers of the team propylene, possibly 200 men included.

Importance

The Apiru are often associated with the Hebrews of the Old Testament and are probably one of several social or ethnic groups that make out were the people of Israel during the so-called land grabbing time.

The Apiru, however, are decidedly to understand social categories. So they just appear in the Amarna letters as bands that are verdingten the society of that city-states unsettled by raids and extortions as mercenaries or changing city-states. They consisted together by the company due to debt, crime, or family problems outcast men. Through its contribution to the overall uncertainty in the area of the Levant around 1200 BC, they were an important factor for the following continuing until the 1st millennium de-urbanization.

Assuming a historical situation as the basis of the Exodus narrative, so it stands to reason here in Egypt enslaved ʿ think apiru. In contrast to the Shasu they were not tolerated in Egypt as guests, but were forced to work services.

Even with the state formation of Israel seem to identifiable groups with them not to have been uninvolved. To give a critical reading of the rise of David's history quite the image that David was the leader of such a band ( cf. 1 Sam 22,2 EU). This is independent of the tribes of Israel was with the army of these also independent he conquered Jerusalem capital an important factor for the stability of the resulting Davidic dynasty.