AKHABBU.  Assyrian form of biblical Ahab (q.v.), meaning "descended from a father's brother."  The son of Omri, who reigned over Israel twenty-two years.  He married Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal, king of Zidon, and introduced the worship of Baal and Ashteroth into Israel, persecuting the prophets and worshippers of Yahveh (Jehovah).  He is the first Israelite king mentioned in the Assyrian inscriptions, having been defeated by Shalmaneser at Karkar (Aroer), in B.C. 854, along with the other allies of Benhadad, of Damascus, to whose aid he had brought a force of 10,000 men.  Ahab (Akhabbu) had been attacked twice by Benhadad, and once besieged in vain in Samaria.  In the second invasion he had defeated the Syrians at Aphek; the result being a league between the two countries, the restoration of the Israelitish cities taken by Benhadad, and a permanent Israelite embassy in Damascus.  Ahab (Akhabbu) met his death at Ramoth-Gilead, which he had attacked and endeavoured to take from the Syrians, then weakened by the defeat of Karkar.  Ahab (Akhabbu) was weak and luxurious, and a great builder.  Jericho was rebuilt in his reign. (An Archaic Dictionary, Cooper, 1876).