Topical Encyclopedia Cutha is a location mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of the Assyrian resettlement of Samaria. It is referenced in 2 Kings 17:24, which states: "Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns." Historical and Geographical Context Cutha, also spelled Cuthah, was an ancient city in Mesopotamia, located in what is now modern-day Iraq. It was situated northeast of Babylon and was known for its religious significance, particularly as a center of worship for the Mesopotamian god Nergal. The city played a role in the broader Assyrian and Babylonian empires, which were dominant powers in the ancient Near East. Biblical Significance The mention of Cutha in the Bible occurs in the narrative of the Assyrian conquest and resettlement policies. After the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C., the Assyrians implemented a strategy of deporting the local population and replacing them with people from other parts of their empire. This was intended to prevent rebellion and to assimilate conquered peoples into the Assyrian culture. The settlers from Cutha, along with those from other regions, were brought to Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom. This resettlement led to the intermingling of these foreign populations with the remaining Israelites, contributing to the development of the Samaritans, a group that would later have significant interactions with the Jews during the time of Jesus. Religious and Cultural Impact The introduction of people from Cutha and other regions brought with it a mix of religious practices and beliefs. 2 Kings 17:29-33 describes how these new inhabitants continued to worship their own gods while also adopting some of the religious practices of the Israelites. This syncretism led to a form of worship that was not in accordance with the laws given to the Israelites, as they "worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed for themselves all sorts of people as priests to serve them in the shrines of the high places." (2 Kings 17:32) The presence of Cuthaeans and their religious practices contributed to the complex religious landscape of the region, which was characterized by a blend of different traditions and beliefs. This syncretism was viewed negatively in the biblical narrative, as it represented a departure from the worship of Yahweh as prescribed in the Mosaic Law. Legacy The legacy of Cutha and its people is intertwined with the history of the Samaritans, who emerged as a distinct group with their own religious identity. The tensions between Jews and Samaritans, partly rooted in these historical events, are evident in the New Testament, where Jesus' interactions with Samaritans highlight themes of reconciliation and the breaking down of ethnic and religious barriers. Cutha's mention in the Bible serves as a reminder of the historical and cultural dynamics that shaped the ancient Near East and the enduring impact of these events on the religious landscape of the region. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CUTHAku'-tha (Koutha; 1 Esdras 5:32, the King James Version Coutha): Head of a family of temple servants who returned with Zerubbabel from Babylon; not mentioned in the canonical lists. Library The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Thesaurus Cutha (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia CUTHA. ku'-tha (Koutha; 1 ... canonical lists. Multi-Version Concordance Cutha (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings ... /c/cutha.htm - 7k Nergal (3 Occurrences) Cuth (1 Occurrence) Cuthah (2 Occurrences) Asshur (133 Occurrences) Settled (112 Occurrences) Causeth (209 Occurrences) Resources What happened to the lost tribes of Israel? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Samaritans? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Cutha (1 Occurrence)2 Kings 17:24 Subtopics Related Terms |
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