Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, founded by King Omri in the ninth century BC. He bought the hill from a man named Shemer and built a fortified city there, which became the political center of the kingdom for more than one hundred fifty years.
His son Ahab expanded the city’s power, but also introduced the worship of Baal, encouraged by his wife Jezebel. A pagan temple and altar were erected within Israel’s own capital.
The prophets Elijah and Elisha confronted the kings of Samaria in the name of the Lord. During a terrible siege by the Aramean army, Elisha announced the supernatural end of a famine that was afflicting the city.
Later, the prophets Amos, Hosea, and Micah denounced the arrogance and idolatry of Samaria, announcing God’s judgment upon it. The prophecy was fulfilled in 722 BC, when the Assyrian army conquered the city and deported the people of Israel.
The fall of Samaria ended the northern kingdom and scattered the ten tribes among the nations, a solemn reminder that no capital withstands God’s judgment when His people abandon their covenant with Him.
