Topical Encyclopedia The region known as Samaria holds significant historical and theological importance within the biblical narrative. Situated between Judea to the south and Galilee to the north, Samaria was originally part of the Northern Kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy following King Solomon's reign. The city of Samaria, which became the capital of the Northern Kingdom, was founded by King Omri around 880 BC (1 Kings 16:24).Historical Background Samaria's history is marked by its role as the center of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The city itself was strategically located on a hill, making it a formidable fortress. Under King Ahab, Omri's son, Samaria became a hub of idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal, which was introduced through Ahab's marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess (1 Kings 16:31-33). This idolatry led to significant prophetic activity, most notably by Elijah and Elisha, who confronted the apostasy of the Israelite kings. In 722 BC, Samaria fell to the Assyrian Empire under King Shalmaneser V and his successor Sargon II, leading to the exile of many Israelites and the resettlement of foreign peoples in the land (2 Kings 17:5-6). This event marked the end of the Northern Kingdom and the beginning of a mixed population in Samaria, which would later contribute to tensions with the Jews of the Southern Kingdom. Religious and Cultural Significance The intermarriage between the Israelites who remained and the foreign settlers led to the development of a distinct Samaritan identity. The Samaritans accepted only the Pentateuch as their Scripture and built their own temple on Mount Gerizim, which they considered the true place of worship, in contrast to the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. This divergence in religious practice and belief contributed to the animosity between Jews and Samaritans, as seen in the New Testament. New Testament Context In the New Testament, Samaria is frequently mentioned, highlighting the continued tension and interaction between Jews and Samaritans. Jesus' ministry in Samaria is particularly noteworthy. In John 4, Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, breaking social and religious barriers by engaging with her and revealing His identity as the Messiah (John 4:25-26). This encounter underscores the inclusive nature of Jesus' mission and the breaking down of ethnic and religious divisions. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) further illustrates Jesus' teaching on love and compassion, challenging prevailing prejudices by portraying a Samaritan as the exemplar of neighborly love. Additionally, in Acts 1:8 , Jesus instructs His disciples to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth," indicating the importance of Samaria in the spread of the Gospel. Theological Implications Theologically, Samaria represents both the judgment and mercy of God. The fall of Samaria serves as a warning against idolatry and unfaithfulness, while the inclusion of Samaritans in the New Testament narrative highlights God's redemptive plan for all peoples. The interactions between Jesus and the Samaritans demonstrate the breaking down of barriers and the extension of God's grace beyond traditional ethnic and religious boundaries. In summary, the country of Samaria, with its complex history and significant role in biblical events, serves as a testament to the unfolding of God's purposes throughout the Scriptures. Smith's Bible Dictionary Country Of SamariaSamaria at first included all the tribes over which Jeroboam made himself king, whether east or west of the river Jordan. (1 Kings 13:32) But whatever extent the word might have acquired, it necessarily be came contracted as the limits of the kingdom of Israel became contracted. In all probability the territory of Simeon and that of Dan were very early absorbed in the kingdom of Judah. It is evident from an occurrence in Hezekiah's reign that just before the deposition and death of Hoshea, the last king of Israel, the authority of the king of Judah, or at least his influence, was recognized by portions of Asher, Issachar and Zebulun and even of Ephraim and Manasseh. (2 Chronicles 30:1-26) Men came from all those tribes to the Passover at Jerusalem. This was about B.C. 728. Samaria (the city) and a few adjacent cities or villages only represented that dominion which had once extended from Bethel to Dan northward, and from the Mediterranean to the borders of Syria and Ammon eastward. In New Testament times Sa maria was bounded northward by the range of hills which commences at Mount Carmel on the west, and, after making a bend to the southwest, runs almost due east to the valley of the Jordan, forming the southern border of the plain of Esdraelon. It touched toward the south, is nearly as possible, the northern limits of Benjamin. Thus it comprehended the ancient territory of Ephraim and that of Manasseh west of Jordan. The Cuthaean Samaritans, however, possessed only a few towns and villages of this large area, and these lay almost together in the centre of the district. At Nablus the Samaritans have still a settlement, consisting of about 200 persons. [SHECHEM] Library Samaria. Sychem. Book 20 Footnotes A Description Op Galilee, Samaria, and Judea. Divers Matters. How Shalmaneser Took Samaria by Force and How He Transplanted the ... But when I was Come Near Sogane, I Caused the Multitude to Make A. ... The Woman of Samaria How Antiochus, who was Called Dionysus, and after Him Aretas Made ... The Disposition of the Tribes in Galilee. Jesus Returns through Samaria to Galilee. --The Samaritan Woman. ... 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