Geographical Location:
Modern Samaria is a region situated between Judea to the south and Galilee to the north. This area corresponds to the central part of the modern-day West Bank. Historically, Samaria was a significant region in ancient Israel, serving as the capital of the Northern Kingdom after the division of the united monarchy. The city of Samaria, founded by King Omri, became a central hub of political and religious activity.

Biblical History:
In the Old Testament, Samaria is frequently mentioned as the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It was established by King Omri and became a center of idolatry under subsequent kings, notably Ahab, who introduced Baal worship (1 Kings 16:24-33). The prophets, including Elijah and Amos, often condemned the practices in Samaria, calling the people back to the worship of Yahweh.

The Assyrian conquest in 722 BC led to the fall of Samaria and the deportation of many Israelites. The Assyrians repopulated the area with foreigners, leading to a mixed population that practiced a syncretistic form of worship. This historical event is crucial for understanding the later animosity between Jews and Samaritans.

New Testament Context:
By the time of the New Testament, Samaria was a distinct region with its own identity. The Samaritans, who claimed descent from the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, had their own version of the Pentateuch and worshiped on Mount Gerizim, rather than in Jerusalem. This religious and ethnic divergence led to significant tension between Jews and Samaritans.

Jesus' interactions with Samaritans are notable for their counter-cultural nature. In John 4, Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, breaking social norms and demonstrating His message of salvation for all people: "But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life" (John 4:14). This encounter highlights the inclusivity of the Gospel and Jesus' mission to transcend ethnic and cultural barriers.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus uses a Samaritan as an example of neighborly love, challenging prevailing prejudices and emphasizing the call to love one's neighbor irrespective of ethnic divisions.

Theological Significance:
Samaria's role in biblical history underscores themes of judgment and redemption. The prophets' calls for repentance in Samaria serve as a reminder of the consequences of idolatry and disobedience. Yet, the New Testament narratives involving Samaritans illustrate the expansive reach of God's grace and the breaking down of barriers through Christ.

The inclusion of Samaritans in the early Christian mission, as seen in Acts 8:4-25, where Philip preaches in Samaria and many believe, signifies the fulfillment of Jesus' command to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This expansion of the Gospel to Samaria marks a pivotal moment in the early church's mission, demonstrating the universality of the Christian message.

Modern Implications:
Today, the region of Samaria remains a complex and contested area, reflecting ongoing political and religious tensions. However, its biblical heritage continues to offer profound lessons on reconciliation, the breaking down of barriers, and the inclusive nature of God's kingdom. The historical and theological legacy of Samaria challenges believers to pursue peace and unity, grounded in the transformative power of the Gospel.Luke 17:11
And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the middle of Samaria and Galilee.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 4:3,4
He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jesus at the Well.
... still survives in Nablus, the modern Shechem, where ... an unlawful marriage, he fled
to Samaria, took charge ... of Jerusalem, and was situated between Mount Gerizim ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus at the well.htm

One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its ...
... vc5, sect.8. "Antonia was situated at the angle of ... Ginaea, which lies on the borders
of Samaria and the ... A modern example may illustrate the use we make of this ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter vi one argument which.htm

References
... taken up his station in Samaria." Other suggestions ... Chorazin was probably the modern
Kerazeh, about one ... Caesarea Philippi was situated at the easternmost and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/references.htm

Critical Notes.
... Nazareth," says Renan, "was a little town, situated in a ... See the dialogue with the
woman of Samaria, John 4 ... the honesty of this greatest of modern skeptics, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the person of christ/critical notes.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the opposite view, which is supported by most modern critics ... aven; as to the golden
calf at Samaria, cf ... said to have entered the covenant made between Jahveh and ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii 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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