Page 100 - Advanced Bible Geography ebook

Shiloh fell with Ephraim. The “animal feast of Jehovah” was when the daughters of Shiloh went
forth in dances, and it gave the sons of Benjamin, when threatened with extinction, the
opportunity of carrying off wives (Judges 21:19-23). Here Eli judged Israel and died of grief at
the capture of the Ark. Here Hannah prayed and Samuel was reared in the tabernacle and
called to the prophetic office (I Sam 1, 2, 3). The sin of Hophni and Phinehas caused the loss of
the Ark and God’s forsaking His tabernacle at Shiloh (Judges 18:31). Ahijah the prophet was
here consulted by messengers of Jeroboam’s wife (I Kings 11:29). Shiloh was referred to by
Jeremiah (Jer. 7:12) five hundred years after its destruction.

Samaria Region

Samaria as a region refers to the
land between Jerusalem and the
Galilee. Bordered by the Carmel
and Gilboa Mountains on the north,
the Jordan River Valley to the east
and the coastal plain on the west,
much of the region boasts of rich
farmland.

However, Samaria continues to be
known mostly for the racial and
cultural differences between Jews
and “Samaritans.” When the
Assyrians defeated the northern
kingdom (or “Israel”) in 722 BC,
many Jewish people living in this
area were either killed or deported.
Some, however, continued to live in
the area but adopted the Assyrian
culture. This included intermarrying
with non-Jewish people. Some
taken into exile also practiced
intermarriage in their new homes.
By the time a remnant of these
people returned to Samaria, they
were considered by Jews who had
not assimilated as a “mixed race” of people. Tensions between Jews and Samaritans continued to
increase. Though living in proximity, most Jews avoided the more direct path through Samaria as they
traveled to and from Jerusalem. Instead, they detoured around the region and traveled through the
Jordan River Valley.

Famously, Jesus passed through the land of Samaria at least once (John 4), and perhaps several times. In
doing this, Jesus demonstrated his love for all people, regardless of race. One of his most famous
parables made a hero of the “Good Samaritan.” During the rapid spread of the early church, Philip the
evangelist preached a great revival in the region Samaria (Acts 8:5).

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