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Samaria is one of the most significant locations in the Bible, appearing throughout the Old and New Testaments. It served as the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, was a center of idolatry and apostasy, and later became the home of the despised Samaritans during Jesus’ time.
Understanding Samaria’s history and biblical role gives insight into God’s dealings with His people, the consequences of rebellion, and His plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.
Historical Background of Samaria
The city of Samaria was founded by King Omri, who purchased the hill of Samaria and made it the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel.
- 1 Kings 16:23-24 (NKJV) – “In the thirty-first year of Asa king of Judah, Omri became king over Israel, and reigned twelve years. Six years he reigned in Tirzah. And he bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver; then he built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, Samaria, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill.”
Omri’s decision to move the capital from Tirzah to Samaria made it a powerful and strategic city. Located between Judea in the south and Galilee in the north, Samaria became the political and religious hub of the northern kingdom.
However, from its foundation, Samaria was associated with idolatry. Omri and his son, King Ahab, introduced Baal worship into Israel, leading the nation into deep apostasy.
- 1 Kings 16:30-31 (NKJV) – “Now Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who were before him. And it came to pass, as though it had been a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took as wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians; and he went and served Baal and worshiped him.”
It’s Role in Old Testament Events
The Center of Idolatry and Apostasy
Samaria became the religious heart of the corrupt northern kingdom, where golden calf worship and Baal worship flourished. The prophet Elijah confronted Ahab and the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18), denouncing their false religion.
- 1 Kings 18:21 (NKJV) – “And Elijah came to all the people, and said, ‘How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.’ But the people answered him not a word.”
Ahab’s queen, Jezebel, promoted Baal worship, persecuted the prophets of God, and led Israel into further wickedness.
Prophetic Condemnation and Calls to Repentance
Many prophets, including Elijah, Elisha, Amos, Hosea, and Micah, condemned Samaria’s sins and warned of judgment.
- Micah 1:6 (NKJV) – “Therefore I will make Samaria a heap of ruins in the field, places for planting a vineyard; I will pour down her stones into the valley, and I will uncover her foundations.”
Despite these warnings, Samaria persisted in sin and eventually faced God’s judgment.
The City’s Fall and Its Theological Meaning
The Assyrian Conquest (722 B.C.)
Because of its idolatry and disobedience, Samaria fell to the Assyrians in 722 B.C.
- 2 Kings 17:6 (NKJV) – “In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria took Samaria and carried Israel away to Assyria, and placed them in Halah and by the Habor, the River of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.”
This was a direct fulfillment of God’s judgment for Israel’s persistent rebellion:
- 2 Kings 17:7-8 (NKJV) – “For so it was that the children of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God… and had feared other gods, and had walked in the statutes of the nations whom the Lord had cast out from before the children of Israel.”
The Mixed Population and the Birth of the Samaritans
After the Assyrian conquest, the conquerors repopulated Samaria with foreigners who intermarried with the remaining Israelites, producing the Samaritans.
- 2 Kings 17:24 (NKJV) – “Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel; and they took possession of Samaria and dwelt in its cities.”
This mixed race practiced a blended religion, worshiping both the God of Israel and foreign gods. This caused deep hostility between Jews and Samaritans, lasting into New Testament times.
The Samaritans in the New Testament
By Jesus’ time, Samaritans were despised by the Jews because they were seen as corrupt and unfaithful to the true worship of God. The Jews and Samaritans avoided each other and had a long-standing religious dispute.
- John 4:9 (NKJV) – “Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, ‘How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?’ For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.”
Despite this, Jesus broke social barriers and ministered to the Samaritans.
Jesus’ Ministry in That City
The Woman at the Well (John 4:1-42)
One of the most famous stories in the Bible is Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well.
- John 4:13-14 (NKJV) – “Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.'”
Through this encounter, Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah and offered salvation to the Samaritans.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
Jesus used a Samaritan as an example of true neighborly love, challenging Jewish prejudice.
- Luke 10:33 (NKJV) – “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.”
This story teaches that God’s love extends beyond racial and religious barriers.
Samaria and the Great Commission
After His resurrection, Jesus commanded His disciples to preach the gospel to Samaria:
- Acts 1:8 (NKJV) – “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Philip later preached in that area, leading to many conversions (Acts 8:5-8).
Conclusion: Lessons
Key Points:
- Samaria symbolized rebellion but also God’s mercy.
- Jesus broke racial barriers and ministered to Samaritans.
- The gospel extended to Samaria, fulfilling God’s redemption plan.
Though once a city of idolatry and judgment, Samaria became a place where Jesus brought salvation. This teaches that no one is beyond God’s grace if they turn to Him in faith.