Historical Background

Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history. Founded by King Omri around 880 BC, Samaria was strategically located on a hill, providing a strong defensive position. The city became the political and cultural center of the Northern Kingdom, serving as the royal residence for several Israelite kings. Its establishment is 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, and he named the city he built after Shemer, the owner of the hill, Samaria."

Religious Significance

Samaria's religious history is marked by a departure from the worship of Yahweh, as the city became a center for idolatry under the reign of Ahab and Jezebel. The introduction of Baal worship, as described in 1 Kings 16:31-33, led to significant conflict with the prophets of Yahweh, most notably Elijah. This period of apostasy set the stage for the prophetic ministries of Elijah and his successor, Elisha.

The Prophet Elisha in Samaria

Elisha, the successor of Elijah, played a crucial role in the spiritual life of Samaria. His ministry is characterized by numerous miracles and acts of divine intervention, which are recorded in the books of 1 and 2 Kings. Elisha's presence in Samaria is particularly noted during the time of the Aramean siege. In 2 Kings 6:24-25, the city faced a severe famine due to the siege, and Elisha's prophetic insight and miraculous actions were pivotal in delivering the city from its plight.

One of the most notable events involving Elisha in Samaria is the miraculous provision during the siege. In 2 Kings 7:1, Elisha prophesied, "Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says: 'About this time tomorrow, a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria.'" This prophecy was fulfilled when the Arameans fled, leaving behind provisions that ended the famine.

Cultural and Political Influence

As the capital of the Northern Kingdom, Samaria was a hub of political activity and cultural exchange. The city's architecture and fortifications reflected the influence of surrounding nations, and its strategic location facilitated trade and interaction with neighboring regions. Despite its political significance, Samaria's spiritual decline and the persistent idolatry of its leaders ultimately led to its downfall.

Fall of Samaria

The fall of Samaria in 722 BC marked the end of the Northern Kingdom. The Assyrian conquest, led by King Shalmaneser V and completed by Sargon II, resulted in the city's destruction and the exile of its inhabitants. This event is recorded in 2 Kings 17:6: "In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria. He settled them in Halah, in Gozan on the Habor River, and in the towns of the Medes."

Legacy

The legacy of Samaria is complex, marked by both its political prominence and its spiritual failures. The city's history serves as a testament to the consequences of turning away from God, as well as the enduring hope offered through the prophetic voices that called the people back to faithfulness. Samaria's account is a reminder of the importance of spiritual integrity and the impact of prophetic ministry in guiding a nation.2 Kings 2:25
And he went from there to mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Samaria.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 5:3
And she said to her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 6:32
But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and the king sent a man from before him: but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See you how this son of a murderer has sent to take away my head? look, when the messenger comes, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door: is not the sound of his master's feet behind him?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the help of a powerful ally.** The capital of Israel ... the temple and priesthood of
Samaria never succeeded ... the prestige enjoyed by the ancient oracles, though ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Benhadad I.--- Omri and the foundation of Samaria: Ahab and ... When they had once abandoned
their ancient faith, political ... ver.15 the name of the capital of Eglon ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... the Roman colony of Berytus and the ancient city of ... the tombs of the twelve patriarchs,
and Samaria which in ... days famed for the tomb of the prophet Micah, [2870 ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... has a treatise on the life of the ancient priests of ... refused it, the Lord spake by
the prophet, saying: [4806 ... hour sat weary on the well of Samaria and wished ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

What is the importance of Samaria in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why had the believers in Samaria not received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8)? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Samaritans? | GotQuestions.org

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