Bible Geography · Central Israel · c. 880–722 BC
Samaria
Description
Samaria refers both to the city built by King Omri as the capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel and to the wider central region between Galilee and Judea. After the Assyrian conquest of 722 BC, the region was repopulated with foreigners who intermarried with remaining Israelites, creating the Samaritan people.
Significance
The Jewish-Samaritan hostility of Jesus' day makes his deliberate travel through Samaria and his conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well profoundly counter-cultural. His parable of the Good Samaritan challenged ethnic prejudice and revealed that neighbor-love transcends all boundaries.
Key Events
Omri founded the city of Samaria as Israel's capital; Elijah confronted Ahab and Jezebel; the Assyrians deported the population in 722 BC; Jesus spoke with the woman at Jacob's Well; Philip the evangelist preached in Samaria after Stephen's martyrdom.
Modern Context
The ancient region of Samaria corresponds to the northern West Bank. A small Samaritan community still exists today, centered near Mount Gerizim in Nablus, maintaining ancient Torah traditions and celebrating Passover on the mountain.