Introduction

Ancient Samaria, a significant region in biblical history, was known for its diverse and numerous cities. This area, located in the central part of the land of Israel, played a crucial role in the narratives of the Old and New Testaments. The cities of Samaria were centers of political, religious, and cultural activities, often serving as the backdrop for pivotal events in the biblical narrative.

Historical Background

The region of Samaria derives its name from the city of Samaria, which was established by King Omri around 880 BC as the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 16:24). The city of Samaria itself became a symbol of the Northern Kingdom's identity and was known for its strategic location and fortifications. Over time, the term "Samaria" came to refer not only to the city but also to the surrounding region.

Cities of Samaria

1. Shechem: One of the oldest and most significant cities in Samaria, Shechem was a center of covenantal activity. It was here that Joshua renewed the covenant with Israel (Joshua 24:1-25). Shechem also served as a city of refuge and a Levitical city (Joshua 21:21).

2. Bethel: Although initially part of the territory of Benjamin, Bethel became associated with the Northern Kingdom. It was a site of worship and one of the locations where Jeroboam set up golden calves (1 Kings 12:28-29).

3. Tirzah: Before Samaria became the capital, Tirzah served as the royal city of the Northern Kingdom. It was known for its beauty and was mentioned in the Song of Solomon (Song of Solomon 6:4).

4. Jezreel: This city was significant for its strategic location in the Jezreel Valley. It was the site of King Ahab's palace and the infamous vineyard of Naboth (1 Kings 21:1-16).

5. Shiloh: Although not always considered part of Samaria, Shiloh was an important religious center where the Tabernacle was located before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem (1 Samuel 1:3).

6. Dothan: Known for its association with the account of Joseph, Dothan was where Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers (Genesis 37:17-28). It was also the site of Elisha's miraculous protection from the Aramean army (2 Kings 6:13-17).

Religious and Cultural Significance

The cities of Samaria were often centers of idolatry and syncretism, which led to the prophets' frequent denunciations. The worship of Baal and Asherah was prevalent, and the region's kings, such as Ahab and Jezebel, promoted these practices (1 Kings 16:31-33). Despite this, Samaria also witnessed moments of repentance and reform, as seen in the ministry of prophets like Elijah and Elisha.

In the New Testament, Samaria continued to hold significance. Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well in Sychar (John 4:5-42) highlighted the region's complex relationship with Jewish identity and worship. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) further emphasized the theme of compassion transcending ethnic and religious boundaries.

Conclusion

The cities of ancient Samaria were integral to the biblical narrative, serving as settings for both divine judgment and grace. Their historical and religious significance continues to be a subject of study and reflection for those seeking to understand the complexities of biblical history and theology.1 Kings 13:32
For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Of the [Temple And] Cities that were Built by Herod and Erected ...
... beautiful wall round a country in Samaria, twenty furlongs ... And when Apollo's temple
had been burnt down, he ... and that the only remains of ancient Greece were in ...
/.../chapter 21 of the temple.htm

How the Kings of Asia Honored the Nation of the Jews and Made them ...
... nor would they alter any of the ancient favors granted ... subdued those cities of Celesyria
which Scopas had gotten into his possession, and Samaria with them ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how the kings.htm

Two Famous Versions of the Scriptures
... OF THE 'SEPTUAGINT'"THE OLD TESTAMENT IN ANCIENT GREEK, THE ... truth of God's Book was
hidden away in Samaria. For the Samaritans had their own copies of the ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter vii two famous versions.htm

Six Cities
... to be told that Shechem is a very ancient city, and ... is in connexion with the woman
of Samaria, when Jesus ... The ancients had a fabled Atlas, who was supposed to ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/ii six cities.htm

In Jud??a and through Samaria - a Sketch of Samaritan History and ...
... Thus it occupied the ancient territories of Manasseh and ... of Jesus might have bought
in Samaria, in ignorance ... declared clean, if an Israelite had witnessed its ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in judaea and.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... His first achievement was the capture of Samaria. ... him as the successor of their ancient
kings; he ... a struggle of many years, when their cities had fallen one by ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

How Ten Men of the Citizens [Of Jerusalem] Made a Conspiracy ...
... laws of his country, and corrupted their ancient constitution, by ... its kind, among
the inhabitants of Samaria, that they ... made now so small as it had been before ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 how ten men.htm

Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
... researches have everywhere brought to light relics of the worship of the Phoenician
Astarte, of the ancient Syrian god of ... Herod had built in Samaria also a ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 2 jews and gentiles.htm

How Hadad King of Damascus and of Syria, Made Two Expeditions ...
... in sackcloth, with ropes about their heads, [for this was the ancient manner of ... have
leave to come to Damascus, as his forefathers had to come to Samaria. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 how hadad king.htm

Hezekiah
... people, Hezekiah determined to revive the ancient custom of ... aside the message of
Jonah and had become defiant in ... years after the fall of Samaria the victorious ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 28 hezekiah.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

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus