Page 98 - Bible Geography and Near East Studies

the loss of the Ark and God’s forsaking His tabernacle at Shiloh (Judges 18:31). Ahijah the prophet was
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 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 of Samaria (Acts 8:5).

Today, this area is the northern portion of the “West Bank.” It remains a place where racial, cultural, and
political tensions openly exist between Jews and Palestinians. Few Jewish families will journey through
the heart of the West Bank today, just as their ancestors wouldn’t travel through “Samaria.”

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