Introduction

Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history. Founded by King Omri in the 9th century BC, it became a central hub for political, cultural, and religious activities in the region. The city is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, serving as a backdrop for various events and prophecies.

Historical Background

The city of Samaria was established by Omri, who "bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver and built a city on the hill" (1 Kings 16:24). Omri's choice of location was strategic, as the hill provided a defensible position and a commanding view of the surrounding area. Samaria quickly rose to prominence as the capital of the Northern Kingdom, succeeding Tirzah.

Religious Significance

Samaria became a center of idolatry under the reign of Ahab, Omri's son, who "did more evil in the sight of the LORD than all who were before him" (1 Kings 16:30). Ahab, influenced by his wife Jezebel, introduced the worship of Baal and Asherah, leading to a spiritual decline in Israel. The prophet Elijah confronted Ahab and the prophets of Baal, culminating in the dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18).

Prophetic Warnings and Judgment

The prophets frequently spoke against Samaria due to its idolatry and social injustices. The prophet Amos warned, "Woe to those who are at ease in Zion and to those who feel secure on the hill of Samaria" (Amos 6:1). Similarly, Micah prophesied the city's downfall: "Therefore I will make Samaria a heap of rubble, a place for planting vineyards" (Micah 1:6). These prophecies were fulfilled when the Assyrians captured Samaria in 722 BC, leading to the exile of the Israelites.

The Pool of Samaria

The Pool of Samaria, mentioned in 1 Kings 22:38, is associated with the aftermath of King Ahab's death. After Ahab was mortally wounded in battle, his chariot was washed by the pool, and "the dogs licked up his blood, just as the word of the LORD had declared" (1 Kings 22:38). This event fulfilled the prophecy given by Elijah concerning Ahab's demise (1 Kings 21:19).

Geographical Context

Samaria was strategically located near several key locations. It was situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, providing access to trade routes and fertile lands. The city's proximity to other significant biblical sites, such as Shechem and Jezreel, further enhanced its importance in the region.

Legacy and New Testament References

In the New Testament, Samaria is mentioned in the context of Jesus' ministry. Jesus traveled through Samaria and spoke with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, breaking social and cultural barriers (John 4:4-26). The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) also highlights the theme of compassion and love for one's neighbor, transcending ethnic and religious divides.

Samaria's legacy is a complex tapestry of political power, religious apostasy, prophetic judgment, and eventual redemption through the message of Christ. Its history serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the hope of restoration through faith.1 Kings 22:38
And one washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood; and they washed his armor; according to the word of the LORD which he spoke.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Index i. Of Subjects
... Antipatris, built, i.119. Antonia, ancient Baris, i.112, 113, 118, 244. ... Shechem,
real capital of Samaria, i.397, 398; the city of fools,' 400; ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the help of a powerful ally.** The capital of Israel ... the temple and priesthood of
Samaria never succeeded ... the prestige enjoyed by the ancient oracles, though ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... city walls to store up the waters of the ancient pool. ... as that which terminated in
the fall of Samaria, or which ... found himself shut up in his capital "like a ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the Philistines"Jerusalem becomes the capital; the removal ... Omri and the foundation
of Samaria: Ahab and ... the neighbourhood of the ancient native sanctuaries ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... at Tell-abib on the Chebar (perhaps the ancient Chaboras, a ... in chap.16, and of Jerusalem
and Samaria in chap ... 2:5); the different forms of capital punishment in ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... the north-east and east, however, the ancient heritage of ... accomplished and the walls
of the capital had been ... born in the Assyrian province of Samaria, but at ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... once a powerful nation, the most ancient settlers and ... seventy miles north of Columbus,
the capital of the ... successfully to the woman of Samaria alone, Steward ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... Jerusalem, and in the midst of erring Samaria." I see ... separated from one of the most
ancient congregations of ... people were often moved, and the pool of baptism ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

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