Bible Dictionary
SAMARIA, CITY OF
Samaria was the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, founded by Omri on a strategically placed hill. It became a center of royal power and idolatrous worship, was captured by Assyria, and was later rebuilt and enlarged under Herod.
Biblical Usage
Samaria appears in accounts of Israel’s kings, royal residence, warfare, idolatrous worship, judgment, and captivity. Ahab established Baal worship there under Jezebel, while later kings and prophets were involved in its reform or condemnation. The city was besieged and finally captured, marking the downfall of the northern kingdom. The material also discusses, with some reservation, its possible connection with the events of Acts 8.