Topical Encyclopedia Coutha is a location mentioned in the context of the Assyrian resettlement of Samaria following the exile of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The reference to Coutha is found in 2 Kings 17:24, which states: "Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns." Historical Context The historical backdrop of Coutha is tied to the Assyrian Empire's policy of population displacement. After the fall of Samaria in 722 B.C., the Assyrians deported many Israelites and replaced them with people from various regions, including Coutha. This strategy was intended to prevent rebellion by diluting national identities and loyalties. Geographical Identification Coutha, also spelled Cuthah, is traditionally identified with the ancient city of Kutha in Mesopotamia. Located near the modern site of Tell Ibrahim in Iraq, Kutha was a significant city in the Babylonian region. It was known for its temple dedicated to the god Nergal, a deity associated with the underworld and war. Religious and Cultural Influence The settlers from Coutha, along with those from other regions, brought their religious practices and deities to Samaria. This syncretism led to the development of a mixed form of worship, which is evident in the subsequent narrative of 2 Kings 17. The text describes how these new inhabitants continued to worship their own gods while also adopting some practices of the Israelites, leading to a form of religious syncretism that was condemned by the biblical authors. Biblical Significance The introduction of foreign populations and their religious practices into Samaria is significant in the biblical narrative as it highlights the spiritual decline and idolatry that plagued the Northern Kingdom. The biblical authors viewed this as a direct consequence of Israel's disobedience to God, resulting in their exile and the loss of their land. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the account of Coutha and the other resettled peoples serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant. The narrative underscores the belief that deviation from God's commandments leads to judgment and loss, while also setting the stage for the eventual hope of restoration and return for the faithful remnant. Legacy The legacy of Coutha and the other resettled peoples is seen in the later interactions between the Jews and the Samaritans during the time of Jesus. The mixed heritage and religious practices of the Samaritans, partly stemming from these Assyrian resettlements, contributed to the tensions and hostilities between the two groups, as reflected in the New Testament narratives. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia COUTHAkou'-tha, koo'-tha. Thesaurus CouthaCoutha. Cousins, Coutha. Covenant . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia COUTHA. kou'-tha, koo'-tha. See CUTHAH. Cousins, Coutha. Covenant . ... /c/coutha.htm - 6k Cutha (1 Occurrence) Cousins (4 Occurrences) Covenant (309 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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