Cuth, also referred to as Cuthah, is an ancient city mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of the Assyrian resettlement policies during the 8th century BC. The city is primarily noted in the Old Testament, where it is associated with the origins of the Samaritans, a group that played a significant role in the history of Israel.

Biblical References:

The primary biblical reference to Cuthah is found in 2 Kings 17:24, which describes the actions of the Assyrian king following the conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The verse states: "Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the cities of Samaria in place of the Israelites. They took possession of Samaria and lived in its cities."

This passage highlights the Assyrian strategy of relocating conquered peoples to prevent rebellion and to assimilate them into the empire. The people from Cuthah, along with those from other regions, were brought to Samaria to replace the exiled Israelites. This resettlement led to the intermingling of cultures and religions, which is a significant factor in the development of the Samaritan identity.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Cuthah was an ancient city located in Mesopotamia, near the modern-day site of Tell Ibrahim in Iraq. It was a significant urban center in the Babylonian empire and was known for its temple dedicated to the god Nergal, a deity associated with war and the underworld. The city's prominence in the region made it a suitable source of population for the Assyrian resettlement efforts.

The relocation of people from Cuthah to Samaria contributed to the religious syncretism that characterized the region. The settlers brought with them their own deities and religious practices, which were then blended with the local traditions. This syncretism is evident in the subsequent narrative of 2 Kings 17, where the new inhabitants of Samaria are described as fearing the LORD but also serving their own gods.

Religious and Cultural Impact:

The introduction of Cuthite settlers into Samaria had lasting religious and cultural implications. The intermarriage and blending of religious practices between the Israelites who remained in the land and the new settlers led to the formation of a distinct Samaritan identity. This group maintained a form of Yahwistic worship but was viewed with suspicion and hostility by the returning Jewish exiles from Babylon, as seen in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

The Samaritans' mixed heritage and religious practices became a point of contention between them and the Jews, contributing to the longstanding animosity between the two groups. This animosity is evident in the New Testament, where interactions between Jews and Samaritans are marked by tension, as seen in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-42).

Conclusion:

Cuth or Cuthah's mention in the Bible, though brief, provides insight into the complex history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the origins of the Samaritan people. The Assyrian policy of resettlement, which included people from Cuthah, played a crucial role in shaping the religious and cultural landscape of the region, with effects that resonated throughout biblical history.Cuth or Cuthah

one of the countries whence Shalmaneser introduced colonists into Samaria. (2 Kings 17:24,30) Its position is undecided.

3575. Kuth -- a city of Assyr.
... NASB Word Usage Cuth (1), Cuthah (1). Cuth. Or (feminine) Kuwthah {koo-thaw'}; of
foreign origin; Cuth or Cuthah, a province of Assyria -- Cuth. 3574, 3575. ...
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