Samaria, historically significant in the biblical narrative, refers to both a city and a region in ancient Israel. The region of Samaria is situated between Galilee to the north and Judea to the south, encompassing the central highlands of what is now the modern-day West Bank. The city of Samaria, which later lent its name to the entire region, was established by King Omri around 880 BC and served as the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Historical Background

The establishment of Samaria as a capital marked a significant development in the history of the Northern Kingdom. Omri's choice of Samaria as the capital is noted in 1 Kings 16:24: "He bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver and built a city on the hill, naming it Samaria after Shemer, the owner of the hill." This strategic location provided a defensible position and control over trade routes.

Samaria's history is marked by its role as a center of idolatry and apostasy, particularly under the reign of Ahab, Omri's son, and his wife Jezebel. The worship of Baal and Asherah was promoted, leading to significant conflict with the prophets of Yahweh, most notably Elijah. The biblical narrative in 1 Kings 18 recounts Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, a pivotal moment in the struggle against idolatry in Israel.

Assyrian Conquest and Exile

The Assyrian conquest of Samaria in 722 BC was a turning point in the history of the Northern Kingdom. 2 Kings 17:6 records this event: "In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria. He settled them in Halah, in Gozan on the Habor River, and in the towns of the Medes." This conquest led to the exile of many Israelites and the resettlement of foreign peoples in the region, resulting in a mixed population that would later be known as the Samaritans.

Religious and Cultural Tensions

The intermarriage between the Israelites who remained and the foreign settlers introduced by the Assyrians led to the development of a distinct Samaritan identity. The Samaritans accepted the Pentateuch as their scripture but rejected the rest of the Hebrew Bible, leading to religious tensions with the Jews. This animosity is evident in the New Testament, where interactions between Jews and Samaritans are marked by mutual disdain.

In the New Testament, Jesus' interactions with Samaritans are notable for their countercultural nature. In John 4, Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, breaking social norms and demonstrating the inclusivity of His message. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) further challenges prevailing prejudices by portraying a Samaritan as the exemplar of neighborly love.

Roman Period and Later History

During the Roman period, Samaria continued to be a significant region. Herod the Great rebuilt the city of Samaria, renaming it Sebaste in honor of Emperor Augustus. The region remained a focal point of political and religious activity throughout the Roman occupation.

The legacy of Samaria and its people is complex, reflecting a history of conquest, cultural integration, and religious divergence. The Samaritans, though greatly reduced in number, continue to exist today, maintaining their unique religious traditions and practices.Isaiah 7:9
And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. If you will not believe, surely you shall not be established.
Nave's Topical Index

How Shalmaneser Took Samaria by Force and How He Transplanted the ...
... transplanted other nations out of Cuthah, a place so called, [for there is [still]
a river of that name in Persia,] into Samaria, and into the country of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 how shalmaneser took.htm

A Description Op Galilee, Samaria, and Judea.
... 4. Now as to the country of Samaria, it lies between Judea and Galilee; it begins
at a village that is in the great plain called Ginea, and ends at the ...
/.../chapter 3 a description op.htm

Samaria. Sychem.
... A Chorographical Century. Chapters 51-60 Chapter 56 Samaria. Sychem. "The country
of Samaria lies in the middle, between Judea and Galilee. ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 56 samaria sychem.htm

The Woman of Samaria
... he came on into the land of Israel, besieged Samaria for three years, and took it,
and carried off the whole of the inhabitants of the country; and there was ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxvi the woman of.htm

Jesus Returns through Samaria to Galilee. --The Samaritan Woman. ...
... three days' journey"to Galilee, through Samaria; and made use of the opportunity
to scatter seeds for the future among the people of that country, who were ...
/.../chapter vi jesus returns through.htm

But in Samaria, Zacharia the King, who was Very Wicked...
... off the whole people into his own kingdom, Assyrians being placed in the enemy's
country to guard it. Hence that district was called Samaria, because in the ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xlix but in samaria.htm

John Chapter iv. 43-54
... in his own country." It was not because He had no honor in Samaria that Jesus departed
thence after two days; for Samaria was not His own country, but Galilee. ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xvi john chapter iv.htm

Jesus at the Well.
... Jordan. The district of Samaria comprised the country formerly occupied by
the tribe of Ephraim and the half tribe of Manasseh. When ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus at the well.htm

Book 20 Footnotes
... Josephus also takes notice of the same thing, Of the War, BI ch.4. sect.3. [11]
This constant passage of the Galileans through the country of Samaria, as they ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 20 footnotes.htm

Prophets in their Country.
... shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Jud??a and Samaria, and unto ... and
Jerusalem; but, since a prophet has no honour in his own country, when the ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/18 prophets in their country.htm

What is a Samaritan? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Assyria in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

When and how was Israel conquered by the Assyrians? | GotQuestions.org

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