Introduction

Samaria, an ancient city of significant biblical and historical importance, served as the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It is often referred to as the "head of Ephraim," highlighting its central role in the region historically associated with the tribe of Ephraim. The city is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, where it is depicted as both a center of political power and a focal point of religious controversy.

Historical Background

Samaria was established by King Omri around 880 BC, as recorded 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." The city quickly became the political and administrative heart of the Northern Kingdom, succeeding Tirzah as the capital.

Biblical Significance

Samaria's significance is underscored by its frequent mention in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. The prophets often criticized the city for its idolatry and social injustices. In Isaiah 7:9, the prophet refers to Samaria as the "head of Ephraim," emphasizing its leadership role: "The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all."

The city's association with idolatry is highlighted in passages such as Hosea 8:5-6, where the prophet condemns the calf idol of Samaria: "Your calf idol is rejected, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence? For this thing is from Israel—a craftsman made it, and it is not God. It will be broken in pieces, that calf of Samaria."

Religious and Cultural Context

Samaria was not only a political center but also a religious one, albeit often in opposition to the worship of Yahweh as prescribed in the Mosaic Law. The city became a hub for the worship of Baal and other Canaanite deities, practices that were vehemently opposed by the prophets. This syncretism led to divine judgment, as prophesied by Amos and Hosea, who warned of the impending destruction due to the people's unfaithfulness.

Destruction and Legacy

The Assyrian conquest of Samaria in 722 BC marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Northern Kingdom. As recorded in 2 Kings 17:5-6, the city fell after a prolonged siege: "Then the king of Assyria invaded the entire land, marched up to Samaria, and besieged it for three years. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria."

The fall of Samaria led to the dispersion of the ten tribes of Israel, often referred to as the "Lost Tribes." Despite its destruction, the legacy of Samaria persisted, influencing the cultural and religious landscape of the region.

Conclusion

While Samaria's physical prominence waned after its fall, its historical and theological significance endures in biblical narratives. The city serves as a testament to the complexities of Israel's history, embodying both the heights of political power and the depths of spiritual apostasy.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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Nations of the South-East
... a few "Arabisms," a few traces of its ancient contact with ... discovered among the ruins
of his capital, Dibon ... Moab was permanently lost to the kingdom of Samaria. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

The Israelites
... its capital was central, and was not only a strongly-fortified fortress, but also
an ancient and venerable ... In BC722 Samaria, the later capital of the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the help of a powerful ally.** The capital of Israel ... the temple and priesthood of
Samaria never succeeded ... the prestige enjoyed by the ancient oracles, though ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... is not designated by his number; he is called "the man ... Of course at this period the
ancient Babylon was a ... great victory over the far-famed capital of Chaldaea. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Benhadad I.--- Omri and the foundation of Samaria: Ahab and ... in ver.15 the name of
the capital of Eglon ... but they returned soon to their ancient predatory ways ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... at Tell-abib on the Chebar (perhaps the ancient Chaboras, a ... in chap.16, and of Jerusalem
and Samaria in chap ... 2:5); the different forms of capital punishment in ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... the Roman colony of Berytus and the ancient city of ... read [2859] ) or as it is now
called Neapolis, she ... He was refreshed by the faith of the woman of Samaria. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... known that they had burnt the capital of Asia ... the priests, forced an entrance into
the ancient burial-place ... a single fief, which the Greeks called the kingdom ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... accomplished and the walls of the capital had been ... they hoped that, in accordance
with ancient belief, the ties ... But now that Samaria had fallen, and the whole ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... up in their sanctuaries those so-called animated or ... town which Darius raised to the
position of capital.". ... i-Murgab, on the site of the ancient Pasargadas, the ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.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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