The term "Army of Samaria" refers to the military forces associated with the region of Samaria, particularly during the period of the divided kingdom in ancient Israel. Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy following the reign of Solomon. The city was established by King Omri and became a significant political and military center.

Historical Context

Samaria, as the capital of the Northern Kingdom, played a crucial role in the military and political landscape of ancient Israel. The army of Samaria would have been composed of soldiers from the ten tribes that constituted the Northern Kingdom. This army was involved in various conflicts, both defensive and offensive, as the kingdom sought to maintain its sovereignty and expand its influence.

Biblical References

While the specific phrase "Army of Samaria" is not directly mentioned in the Bible, the military activities and conflicts involving Samaria are well-documented. One notable reference is found in the book of Nehemiah, where the opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls is described. Sanballat, the governor of Samaria, is mentioned as a key adversary:

"When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious and mocked the Jews before his colleagues and the army of Samaria, saying, 'What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore the wall for themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?'" (Nehemiah 4:1-2).

This passage highlights the presence of a military force in Samaria during the post-exilic period, indicating that the region maintained a structured army even after the fall of the Northern Kingdom.

Military Engagements

Throughout the history of the Northern Kingdom, the army of Samaria engaged in numerous battles. The kingdom often found itself in conflict with neighboring nations, including Judah, Aram (Syria), and Assyria. The military strategies and alliances formed by the kings of Israel were pivotal in the kingdom's attempts to resist foreign domination and internal strife.

One significant military engagement involving the army of Samaria was the battle against the Arameans during the reign of King Ahab. The Bible records several encounters between Israel and Aram, with varying outcomes. In 1 Kings 20, Ahab's forces, likely including the army of Samaria, achieved a notable victory against Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram, demonstrating the military capabilities of the Northern Kingdom.

The Fall of Samaria

The ultimate fate of the army of Samaria is tied to the fall of the Northern Kingdom in 722 BC. The Assyrian Empire, under King Shalmaneser V and later Sargon II, besieged and captured Samaria, leading to the kingdom's destruction and the exile of its people. The fall of Samaria marked the end of the Northern Kingdom's military forces as an organized entity.

Legacy

The army of Samaria, while not extensively detailed in the biblical narrative, played a significant role in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Its engagements and the political maneuvers of its leaders reflect the turbulent period of the divided monarchy. The legacy of Samaria's military endeavors is preserved in the biblical accounts of the prophets and historical books, offering insights into the challenges faced by the kingdom in its quest for survival and autonomy.