Samaria
A historical region of the central Land of Israel, named after its ancient capital.
Samaria, the Hellenized form of the Hebrew name Shomron, is a historical and biblical name for the central region of the Land of Israel. It is bordered by Judea to the south, Galilee to the north, the Jordan River to the east, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. The region is known in Arabic as Samirah and Mount Nablus.
- Built by
- Omri (1 Kings 16:24)
- Named after
- Shemer, the original owner of the hill (1 Kings 16:24)
- Capital of
- Israel under Ahab, Ahaziah, Jehoram (1 Kings 16:29, 1 Kings 22:51, 2 Kings 3:1)
- Site of Baal worship
- Ahab built an altar for Baal there (1 Kings 16:32)
- Besieged by
- Benhadad king of Syria (1 Kings 20:1, 2 Kings 6:24)
- Famine suffered
- Severe famine during siege (1 Kings 18:2, 2 Kings 6:25)
Lore & Background
The name Samaria is derived from the ancient city of Samaria, capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel. The name likely began to be used for the entire kingdom not long after the town of Samaria became Israel's capital, but it is first documented after its conquest by the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which incorporated the land into the province of Samerina. According to the Hebrew Bible, the Hebrew name Shomron is derived from the individual or clan Shemer, from whom King Omri purchased the hill on which he built his new capital city of Shomron. The mountain may have been called Shomron when Omri bought it, indicating a possible etymology from the Semitic root for 'guard,' meaning 'watch mountain.' In earlier cuneiform inscriptions, Samaria is designated as 'Bet Ḥumri' ('the house of Omri'); in those of Tiglath-Pileser III and later it is called Samirin, after its Aramaic name Shamerayin.
Reader's Guide
The region of Samaria largely corresponds to the biblical allotments of the tribe of Ephraim and the western half of Manasseh. It includes most of the region of the ancient Kingdom of Israel, which was north of the Kingdom of Judah. The border between Samaria and Judea, while historically fluid, is set at the latitude of Ramallah. The area known as the hills of Samaria is bounded by the Jezreel Valley to the north, the Jordan Rift Valley to the east, the Sharon plain to the west, and the Jerusalem mountains to the south. It includes Mount Carmel, Mount Gilboa, Mount Ebal, and Mount Gerizim. The highest peak is Mount Ebal at 935 m. There is no clear division between the mountains of southern Samaria and northern Judea.
Did You Know?
- The first-century historian Josephus set the Mediterranean Sea as Samaria's limit to the west and the Jordan River as its limit to the east.
- Samaria was used to describe the northern midsection of the land in the UN Partition Plan for Palestine in 1947.
- In 1967, the West Bank was defined by Israeli officials as the Judea and Samaria Area, with the entire area north of the Jerusalem District termed as Samaria.
- The Palestinian Authority and the international community do not recognize the term 'Samaria'; in modern times, the territory is generally known as part of the West Bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Samaria?
Samaria was a fortified city established by King Omri on a hill he purchased from Shemer for two talents of silver. It eventually became the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, replacing Shechem as the political center.
Which kings ruled from this city?
Several monarchs reigned over the nation while residing in Samaria, including Ahab, Ahaziah, and Jehoram. Their rule is documented extensively throughout the books of Kings during the divided kingdom period.
What religious conflicts occurred there?
The city became notorious for idolatry after King Ahab constructed a temple to Baal within its walls. This worship site stood in direct opposition to the prophets who delivered warnings against such high places and foreign deities.
Did Samaria face military threats?
Yes, the city endured severe sieges, most notably from Benhadad, the king of Syria. During these conflicts, the inhabitants suffered from extreme famine as supplies were cut off by enemy forces.
Why is this location significant in scripture?
Samaria represents a pivotal center of political power and spiritual rebellion for ancient Israel. Its history illustrates the nation's decline through idolatry and eventual judgment due to its leaders' disobedience.
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