Topical Bible: Modern Samaria: had Many Cities

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Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

Samaria, historically significant in biblical narratives, was a central region in ancient Israel. It played a crucial role in the history of the Israelites and later became a focal point during the time of Jesus. The region of Samaria, as described in the Bible, was known for its diverse cities and towns, each contributing to its rich cultural and religious tapestry.

Biblical Context

The region of Samaria is first mentioned in the context of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. After the division of the united monarchy following Solomon's reign, Jeroboam established the Northern Kingdom, with Samaria eventually becoming its capital under King Omri. The city of Samaria itself was built on a hill purchased by Omri, as recorded in 1 Kings 16:24: "He bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver and built a city on the hill, calling it Samaria, after the name of Shemer, the owner of the hill."

Cities of Samaria

Samaria was not limited to the city of Samaria alone but encompassed a broader region with numerous cities and towns. These cities were often centers of political, economic, and religious activity. Some of the notable cities in the region included:

1. Shechem: One of the oldest and most significant cities in Samaria, Shechem was a center of worship and covenant renewal. It was here that Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to renew their covenant with God (Joshua 24:1).

2. Bethel: Although primarily associated with the Southern Kingdom, Bethel was located near the border and held religious significance for the Northern Kingdom. Jeroboam set up one of the golden calves here, as mentioned in 1 Kings 12:29: "One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan."

3. Shiloh: Known as the religious center before the establishment of Jerusalem, Shiloh housed the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant for many years. It was a place of pilgrimage and worship for the Israelites.

4. Tirzah: Before Samaria became the capital, Tirzah served as the royal city of the Northern Kingdom. It is mentioned in 1 Kings 14:17: "Then Jeroboam’s wife arose and departed, and she came to Tirzah."

5. Geba and Gibeah: These cities, though often associated with the tribe of Benjamin, were part of the broader region influenced by Samaria. They played roles in various biblical narratives, including the accounts of the judges and the early monarchy.

Religious and Cultural Significance

The cities of Samaria were not only political centers but also places of religious significance. The region was known for its syncretistic worship practices, blending the worship of Yahweh with that of local deities. This religious syncretism often led to conflicts with the prophets, who called for a return to pure worship. The prophet Amos, for example, condemned the opulence and idolatry of Samaria's inhabitants (Amos 3:9-15).

In the New Testament, Samaria continued to hold importance. Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4 highlights the cultural and religious tensions between Jews and Samaritans. Despite these tensions, Jesus' ministry in Samaria demonstrated the inclusive nature of the Gospel.

Conclusion

The region of Samaria, with its many cities, played a pivotal role in the biblical narrative. Its cities were centers of political power, religious activity, and cultural exchange. The biblical accounts of Samaria and its cities provide insight into the complex history and religious dynamics of ancient Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 10:5
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter you not:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 9:52
And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Babylonia and Assyria
... the very gates of its capital, the modern Van, and ... His first achievement was the
capture of Samaria. ... a struggle of many years, when their cities had fallen one ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

A Bird's-Eye view of the Early Church
... the Church rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria.'. ... been avoided if
our translators had really translated ... familiar of the two to modern readers, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a birds-eye view of the.htm

In Jud??a and through Samaria - a Sketch of Samaritan History and ...
... Neapolis, which has survived in the modern Nablus ... of Jesus might have bought in Samaria,
in ignorance ... meat is declared clean, if an Israelite had witnessed its ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in judaea and.htm

Acts vii. 54
... the preaching, etc., at Samaria, and the conversion of ... those (the Apostles)
otherwise."--The modern text, after ... to the baptized, for neither had he authority ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xviii acts vii 54.htm

Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
... the former brought from Babylon, under the leadership of one Zamaris, and attracted,
like the modern German colonists in ... Herod had built in Samaria also a ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 2 jews and gentiles.htm

The Land and the People.
... descendants in the ghettos of modern Rome, Frankfurt ... He conversed with a woman of
Samaria, to the ... had a synagogue, large cities had many, especially Alexandria ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 17 the land and.htm

The Nations of the North-East
... the confederate rulers of Damascus and Samaria could do ... seems to be distantly related
to modern Georgian, and ... Ararat had become the leader among them, and in ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iv the nations of.htm

Acts VIII
... that the scathing speech of Peter had a good ... his subsequent career, in ancient and
modern commentaries, but ... prime object of their visit to Samaria, Peter and ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts viii.htm

Of the Number and Character of the Deeds done by Pagans against ...
... refrain from admiring his constancy, for his words had taught them ... [609] Sebaste
was a name given to Samaria by Herod ... [610] Heliopolis, the modern Baalbec, the ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter iii of the number and.htm

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... the territory later known as Galilee and Samaria. ... According to many modern interpreters
the earliest Hebrew host ... art, ideas and customs that had been developed ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm