The Samaritans are a group of people originating from the region of Samaria, which lies between Judea and Galilee. Their history and religious practices have been a subject of interest and controversy throughout biblical history. The Samaritans claim descent from the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, as well as from the Levites, and they have maintained a distinct religious identity that is closely related to, yet distinct from, Judaism.

Historical Background

The origins of the Samaritans can be traced back to the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C. The Assyrians deported many Israelites and brought in foreign settlers from other conquered lands (2 Kings 17:24). These settlers intermarried with the remaining Israelites, leading to a mixed population. The Samaritans developed their own version of the Pentateuch, known as the Samaritan Pentateuch, which they regard as their sacred scripture.

Religious Beliefs and Practices

The Samaritans worship Yahweh and adhere to a form of the Mosaic Law, but they have significant differences from mainstream Judaism. They recognize only the first five books of the Bible as canonical and reject the rest of the Hebrew Scriptures. Their worship is centered on Mount Gerizim, which they consider the true holy place chosen by God, as opposed to Jerusalem. This belief is rooted in their interpretation of Deuteronomy 11:29 and 27:12.

Biblical References

The New Testament provides several references to the Samaritans, highlighting the tensions and interactions between them and the Jews. In the Gospel of John, Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well is a significant event (John 4:4-42). Jesus speaks to her about the living water and reveals His identity as the Messiah, breaking social and religious barriers of the time. The Berean Standard Bible records Jesus saying, "But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him" (John 4:23).

Another notable reference is the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. In this parable, Jesus uses a Samaritan as an example of neighborly love and compassion, challenging the prejudices of His Jewish audience. The Berean Standard Bible quotes Jesus concluding the parable with, "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37).

Relations with Jews

The relationship between Jews and Samaritans was historically strained, marked by mutual animosity and religious disagreements. The Jews viewed the Samaritans as ethnically and religiously impure due to their mixed heritage and divergent worship practices. This animosity is evident in passages such as John 4:9, where the Samaritan woman expresses surprise that Jesus, a Jew, would ask her for a drink.

Despite these tensions, the New Testament portrays a message of reconciliation and inclusion. In Acts 1:8, Jesus instructs His disciples to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" , indicating the expansion of the Gospel to all peoples, including the Samaritans. This is further demonstrated in Acts 8:4-25, where Philip the Evangelist preaches in Samaria, leading to many conversions and the reception of the Holy Spirit by the Samaritans.

Cultural and Modern Context

Today, the Samaritan community is small, with most members residing in the region of Nablus in the West Bank and in Holon, Israel. They continue to practice their ancient traditions and celebrate Passover on Mount Gerizim. The Samaritans maintain a unique cultural and religious identity, preserving their historical legacy while coexisting with their Jewish and Muslim neighbors.