Introduction

Samaria, the ancient capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history and prophecy. Established by King Omri in the early 9th century BC, Samaria became a central hub for the political, cultural, and religious life of the northern tribes. Its strategic location and fortifications made it a formidable city, yet it was also a place of spiritual decline and idolatry. Despite its challenges, Samaria is noted in the Scriptures as a place where deliverance was predicted, reflecting God's enduring mercy and redemptive plans for His people.

Historical Context

Samaria was founded by Omri, who purchased the hill of Shemer for two talents of silver and built the city, naming it Samaria after Shemer (1 Kings 16:24). As the capital, it became the residence of the kings of Israel and a center for the worship of Baal and other Canaanite deities, particularly under the influence of Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 16:31-33). The city's apostasy led to prophetic warnings and judgments, yet it also became a focal point for God's promises of restoration.

Prophetic Deliverance

The prophets of Israel, while often condemning the idolatry and injustices of Samaria, also spoke of a future deliverance. Hosea, for instance, prophesied both judgment and hope for Samaria. He declared, "Samaria will bear her guilt, for she has rebelled against her God" (Hosea 13:16), yet he also spoke of God's healing and restoration: "I will heal their apostasy; I will freely love them, for My anger has turned away from them" (Hosea 14:4).

Isaiah also alluded to a future where the remnant of Israel, including those from Samaria, would return to the Lord. In Isaiah 28:1-6, the prophet speaks of the fading glory of Samaria but also of a time when "the LORD of Hosts will be a crown of glory, a diadem of splendor to the remnant of His people" (Isaiah 28:5).

Fulfillment and New Testament References

The theme of deliverance and restoration for Samaria finds its fulfillment in the New Testament. Jesus Himself ministered in the region of Samaria, breaking cultural barriers and offering the living water of salvation to the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:4-26). This encounter not only highlighted the inclusivity of the Gospel but also fulfilled the prophetic vision of Samaria's deliverance through the Messiah.

Furthermore, the early church's expansion into Samaria, as recorded in the Book of Acts, signifies the fulfillment of the prophetic promises. Philip the Evangelist preached in Samaria, leading to great joy in the city as many believed and were baptized (Acts 8:5-8). This movement of the Holy Spirit in Samaria underscores the city's role in the unfolding plan of God's redemption.

Conclusion

While Samaria's history is marked by periods of rebellion and judgment, the biblical narrative consistently points to God's promise of deliverance and restoration. Through the prophetic voices of the Old Testament and the redemptive work of Christ and His apostles, Samaria emerges as a testament to God's unyielding grace and the fulfillment of His promises to His people.1 Kings 20:13,14
And, behold, there came a prophet to Ahab king of Israel, saying, Thus said the LORD, Have you seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into your hand this day; and you shall know that I am the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... We find accordingly denunciations against Samaria intermingled with ... above the site
of the ancient Nineveh, rests ... directed against Nineveh, the capital of the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

Questions.
... 3. What remains have we of the ancient Egyptians? ... 24. How did Esarhaddon fill the
empty land of Samaria? 25. ... 24. What city did he wish to make his capital? 25. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... Antipatris, built, i.119. Antonia, ancient Baris, i.112, 113, 118, 244. ... Shechem,
real capital of Samaria, i.397, 398; the city of fools,' 400; ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... of the most glorious wrecks of the ancient world ... have done;" he burnt their capital,
Izirtu, demolished ... their survivors were removed to Samaria, where captives ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Hebrew Prophecies.
... perfectly to realize in life the ancient religion, the ... the wickedness of Jerusalem
and Samaria, though the ... his censure seems to rest upon the Judean capital. ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter v the hebrew prophecies.htm

And ii.
... kingdom of Israel it is concentrated upon Samaria, in the ... consider to be the name
of a capital of the ... For, although God governed the ancient people by the hand ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.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

The Seven Trumpets.
... and ships to transport, the wealth of the capital.""Gibbon. ... and in all Judea, and
in Samaria, and unto ... instead of divine service in the ancient cathedral of ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... the most redoubtable, was that with which the name of the Khati is indissolubly
connected, and which had Carchemish as its capital. This ancient city, seated ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... the north-east and east, however, the ancient heritage of ... accomplished and the walls
of the capital had been ... born in the Assyrian province of Samaria, but at ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.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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