Samaria

In short

It was a city, specifically the capital of the rebel territory after Israel split in two. But in time “Samaria” was the name of that entire region – not just the city. This started when the Assyrian Empire took over the region and continued through Jesus’ day.

Why it is important

It’s half of Israel’s history; I have 123 references to Samaria in the Bible. It’s just not as popular as, say, Jerusalem/Judah. Also, you may know the term “Samaritan,” which is a person from Samaria – like “the good Samaritan.”

History

1. Israel split in two
2. In the south (Judah), the capital city* is Jerusalem; the capital of the north is eventually the city of Samaria
3. Samaria (the city) is captured by Assyria (2Ki 17:6)
4. At this point in history, there is also mention of “the cities of Samaria,” so “Samaria” also refers to the region (2Ki 17:24)
5. Assyria puts cultures in a blender and pours that into Samaria, apparently; as a result, the people are sort of Jews but mostly they serve other gods (2Ki 17:24-41)
6. This was 700 years before Christ, but the name “Samaria” lasted even till Jesus’ day and beyond

And Israel never reunites – not in the Bible, anyway. North and south stay apart. By Jesus’ day, Jerusalem’s region is called “Judea,” while the Samaria name sticks around for the area to Judea’s north.

Theology and doctrine

The story of the woman at the well in John 4 highlights the significance of Samaria to Jews by then. Verses 3-4 (Jesus “left Judea and departed again for Galilee. And he had to pass through Samaria”) make more sense when you see a map like the one in this post. And verse 9 really makes it clear about the religion of Samaria: “For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.”

Footnote

* The Bible doesn’t call a city “the capital.” What I mean is, “the city where the king or ruler lives.”

** Map from https://www.conformingtojesus.com/images/webpages/israel_at_the_time_of_jesus_christ_1.png. I don’t endorse that site or know anything of the content. I just like the map.