The Israelites in Samaria hold a significant place in biblical history, particularly in the context of the divided kingdom period and the subsequent Assyrian exile. Samaria, originally a city built by King Omri (1 Kings 16:24), became the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy following Solomon's reign. This entry explores the historical, religious, and cultural aspects of the Israelites in Samaria, drawing from biblical accounts and historical records.

Historical Background

After the death of Solomon, the united kingdom of Israel split into two: the Southern Kingdom of Judah and the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Jeroboam I became the first king of the Northern Kingdom, establishing a separate religious system to prevent his subjects from returning to Jerusalem for worship (1 Kings 12:26-33). Samaria, as the capital, became a central hub for the Northern Kingdom's political and religious activities.

The Northern Kingdom, including Samaria, was characterized by a series of dynastic changes and political instability. The biblical narrative often highlights the idolatry and apostasy of the northern kings, beginning with Jeroboam's golden calves (1 Kings 12:28-30). Prophets like Elijah and Elisha ministered during this period, calling the people back to the worship of Yahweh and denouncing the prevalent Baal worship (1 Kings 18:21-40).

Assyrian Conquest and Exile

The culmination of the Northern Kingdom's apostasy was its conquest by the Assyrian Empire. In 722 BC, after a prolonged siege, Samaria fell to the Assyrians under King Shalmaneser V and his successor Sargon II (2 Kings 17:5-6). The Assyrians deported many Israelites, dispersing them throughout their empire, and brought in foreign populations to resettle the land (2 Kings 17:24). This policy of mixing populations aimed to prevent rebellion and dilute national identities.

The biblical account attributes the fall of Samaria to the Israelites' persistent idolatry and disobedience to God's commandments. "They rejected His statutes and His covenant that He had made with their fathers and the warnings that He had given them" (2 Kings 17:15). The exile is seen as divine judgment for their sins, particularly their failure to heed the warnings of the prophets.

Religious and Cultural Developments

The resettlement of Samaria by foreign peoples led to the emergence of a mixed population known as the Samaritans. These new inhabitants adopted a syncretistic form of worship, blending their pagan practices with the worship of Yahweh. The biblical narrative describes how the new settlers initially did not fear the LORD, prompting God to send lions among them (2 Kings 17:25). In response, the Assyrian king sent an Israelite priest to teach them how to worship the LORD, resulting in a hybrid religion (2 Kings 17:27-28).

The Samaritans' religious practices and their claim to be the true descendants of Israel led to tensions with the returning Jewish exiles from Babylon, as seen in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The Samaritans opposed the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple and the city walls, exacerbating the animosity between the two groups (Ezra 4:1-5; Nehemiah 4:1-3).

New Testament Context

By the time of the New Testament, the animosity between Jews and Samaritans was well-established. Jesus' interactions with Samaritans, such as the encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:4-26) and the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), highlight the social and religious tensions of the time. These accounts also demonstrate Jesus' message of reconciliation and the breaking down of ethnic and religious barriers.

In summary, the Israelites in Samaria represent a complex chapter in biblical history, marked by political upheaval, religious apostasy, and cultural transformation. The legacy of these events continued to influence Jewish-Samaritan relations into the New Testament era, providing a backdrop for understanding the broader narrative of redemption and reconciliation in Scripture.