Topical Encyclopedia The term "King of Samaria" refers to the monarchs who ruled over the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often called Samaria after its capital city, during the period of the divided monarchy in ancient Israel. This period began after the death of King Solomon, when the united kingdom of Israel split into two: the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah).Historical Context The city of Samaria was founded by King Omri around 880 BC and became the capital of the Northern Kingdom. The kings of Samaria were often characterized by their departure from the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel, and their engagement in idolatry, which was a significant point of contention with the prophets of the time. Notable Kings 1. Omri: Omri was the sixth king of Israel and the founder of the city of Samaria. His reign marked a period of relative stability and strength for the Northern Kingdom. Despite his political achievements, Omri is criticized in the biblical narrative for perpetuating idolatry. "Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD and acted more wickedly than all who were before him" (1 Kings 16:25). 2. Ahab: The son of Omri, Ahab is perhaps the most infamous king of Samaria. His marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, led to the introduction of Baal worship in Israel. Ahab's reign is marked by his conflicts with the prophet Elijah, who challenged the king's idolatry and called the people back to the worship of Yahweh. "Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the sight of the LORD than all who were before him" (1 Kings 16:30). 3. Jehu: Anointed by the prophet Elisha, Jehu is known for his violent purge of the house of Ahab and the eradication of Baal worship from Israel. However, Jehu's reforms were incomplete, as he continued the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan. "But Jehu was not careful to walk in the law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart" (2 Kings 10:31). 4. Hoshea: The last king of Israel, Hoshea's reign ended with the Assyrian conquest of Samaria in 722 BC. This event led to the exile of the Israelites and the end of the Northern Kingdom. "In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria" (2 Kings 17:6). Religious and Political Significance The kings of Samaria are often depicted in the biblical narrative as leading the people away from the covenantal relationship with Yahweh. The prophets, such as Elijah, Elisha, Amos, and Hosea, frequently confronted these kings, calling them to repentance and warning of impending judgment due to their idolatry and injustice. The political alliances and conflicts of the kings of Samaria with surrounding nations, including Judah, Aram, and Assyria, played a significant role in the history of the region. These interactions often influenced the religious practices and stability of the kingdom. Prophetic Critique The prophets of Israel were vocal critics of the kings of Samaria, condemning their idolatry, social injustice, and failure to uphold the covenant with God. The prophetic literature emphasizes the consequences of the kings' actions, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Northern Kingdom. "They set up kings without My consent; they choose princes without My approval" (Hosea 8:4). The legacy of the kings of Samaria serves as a cautionary tale within the biblical narrative, highlighting the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of turning away from His commandments. Subtopics King: Ceremonial Recognition of Kneeling Before King: Ceremonial Recognition of Obeisance King: Ceremonial Recognition of Prostration King: Ceremonial Recognition of Salutation to "O King, Live Forever" King: Chief officers of The Advisor King: Chief officers of The Captain of the Army King: Chief officers of The Chief of the Bodyguard King: Chief officers of The Chief Priests King: Chief officers of The Chief Ruler King: Chief officers of The Collector of Taxes King: Chief officers of The Provincial Governors King: Chief officers of The Recorder King: Chief officers of The Scribe King: Constitutional Restrictions of King: Drunkenness of, Forbidden King: Exercise Executive Clemency King: How Chosen by Divine Appointment, Saul King: How Chosen: David and the Davidic Dynasty King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: David King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Herod King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Hezekiah King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Pilate King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Saul King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Zedekiah King: Influential Queens: Bath-Sheba King: Influential Queens: Esther King: Influential Queens: Jezebel King: Profiting From: Confiscations of Property King: Subordinate officers of The Governor of the Household King: Subordinate officers of The Keeper of the Wardrobe King: Tariff on Imports, and Internal Revenue on Merchandise Select Readings: The King of Glory Vicegerency of Elisha in Condemning Gehazi Vicegerency of Elisha in Miraculously Rewarding the Shunammite Woman Related Terms Threshingfloor (18 Occurrences) Threshing-floor (36 Occurrences) |