Board index ‹ Specific Bible verses, texts, and passages ‹ 1 Kings

[Ninja Beastie]

Just that: Did it exist as the text claims?

[jimwalton]

Yes, Samaria existed in 1 Kings 13.32, around 920 BC give or take. It was a Canaanite region in the central portion of the land. Its capital was a city named Tirzah until Israelite King Omri (about 1880s BC) built a city named Samaria (1 Ki. 16.24). But in days of Jeroboam (1 Ki. 13.32), it was a region of assorted towns, as the text says.

Archaeologists have found this city of Samaria in the region of Samaria. They have found Omri's palace, city walls, and a lower city. Tombs have been found under the palace, as are mentioned in 1 Ki. 16.28; 22.37; 2 Ki. 10.35; 13.9; 14.26, 29.