Samaria in Biblical Context

Samaria, historically significant as both a city and a region, holds a prominent place in biblical narratives. The city of Samaria was established by King Omri around 880 BC and became the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The region of Samaria, located between Judea to the south and Galilee to the north, is frequently mentioned in the Bible, serving as a backdrop for various events and teachings.

Biblical References to Samaria

The city of Samaria is first mentioned in 1 Kings 16:24, where it is recorded that Omri "bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver, and built a city on the hill, and named the city he built after Shemer, the owner of the hill, Samaria." This city became a central hub for the Northern Kingdom, both politically and religiously.

Samaria's significance is further highlighted in the accounts of the prophets. The prophet Elijah confronted King Ahab and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, near Samaria, as recorded in 1 Kings 18. The city is also mentioned in the context of the Assyrian conquest, where 2 Kings 17:6 states, "In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria."

New Testament References

In the New Testament, Samaria is notable for its interactions with Jesus and the early church. Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, as recorded in John 4:4-42, underscores the cultural and religious tensions between Jews and Samaritans. Despite these tensions, Jesus' ministry in Samaria demonstrated His message of salvation for all people.

The Book of Acts also records the spread of the Gospel to Samaria. Acts 8:5-8 describes how Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed Christ to them, resulting in great joy in the city. This event marks a significant moment in the early church's mission to reach beyond Jewish communities.

Modern Samaria

Today, the region historically known as Samaria is part of the West Bank, a territory with complex political and cultural dynamics. Modern cities and towns in this area include Nablus, which is near the ancient city of Shechem, and other smaller communities. The historical and biblical significance of Samaria continues to be a point of interest for archaeologists, historians, and theologians.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Samaria's role in biblical history is multifaceted, serving as a symbol of both division and reconciliation. The animosity between Jews and Samaritans in biblical times is well-documented, yet the New Testament narratives highlight a breaking down of these barriers through the message of Christ. The region's rich history and its mention in Scripture provide valuable insights into the cultural and religious landscape of ancient Israel and the early Christian church.Acts 8:5
Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ to them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Holy Catholic Church.
... in the various countries and cities where converts ... Kingdom of Messiah in Judaea and
Samaria, the second ... It only removed the modern ceremonies and superstitious ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter ix the holy catholic.htm

And ii.
... kingdom of Israel it is concentrated upon Samaria, in the ... that Bozrah, in that passage,
is mentioned as the ... there follow the words, "Upon all the cities of the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
... one Zamaris, and attracted, like the modern German colonists ... Herod had built in Samaria
also a magnificent temple ... in how many even of those cities, with which ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 2 jews and gentiles.htm

One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its ...
... a single country, but displayed in the greatest cities of the ... which lies on the borders
of Samaria and the ... A modern example may illustrate the use we make of ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter vi one argument which.htm

Acts viii. 26, 27
... go southward, but to the north: but from Samaria it is to ... he was to pass through
other cities, and to ... who could have blamed him?--The modern text:"--sufficient ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xix acts viii 26.htm

In Judaea
... the sea-shore in the province of Samaria is a ... it may have been added to the cities
of Judaea ... Jewish scruples and difficulties, by which modern Gentile writers ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 5 in judaea.htm

The "Fraternity" of Pharisees
... we find a circle of Grecian cities creeping up ... the interior, taking foothold in Galilee
and Samaria, and gathering ... questioning that, to use a modern term, "the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 14 the fraternity of.htm

Acts vii. 54
... had in honor in the old times above all other cities? ... The modern text (Edd.) alters
the sense: hora pos, kaitoi ... 427] The preaching of Philip in Samaria was the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xviii acts vii 54.htm

Acts VIII
... spread of the gospel into the cities of Judea ... his subsequent career, in ancient and
modern commentaries, but ... prime object of their visit to Samaria, Peter and ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts viii.htm

Introduction
... and from the parts about Jerusalem, and also from Samaria. ... which was felt in ancient
as in modern times ... BC307 by his namesake Demetrius the Besieger of Cities. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/conybeare/a grammar of septuagint greek/introduction.htm

What is the importance of Samaria in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why had the believers in Samaria not received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8)? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Samaritans? | GotQuestions.org

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