This Hebrew place name designates both a town and a river (or canal) in Babylonia where Ezra assembled the returning exiles. Ezra 8:15 records, 'I gathered them by the river that flows to Ahava, and we camped there three days.' This assembly point allowed Ezra to review the returning company and discover no Levites were present, prompting him to send for them. Ezra 8:21 notes that Ezra proclaimed a fast 'there at the river of Ahava,' seeking God's protection for the dangerous journey. Ezra 8:31 records their departure 'from the river of Ahava' toward Jerusalem. The location served as a staging ground for spiritual preparation before the journey home.