Samaria

Samaria, Sumaria or Shomron (Hebrew שֹׁמְרוֹן, Standard Hebrew Šoməron, Tiberian Hebrew Šōmərôn, Arabic سامريّون Sāmariyyūn (but commonly called in Arabic ???? ????? Jibal Nablus), in the New Testament Greek ????????) is a term used for the mountainous northern part of the area on the west bank of the Jordan River. The word is perhaps from shâmar, 'to watch,' hence meaning something like 'outlook'; but, according to 1 Kings 16:24, derived from the individual Shemer, from whom Omri purchased the site.

Samaria today

It is now represented by the hamlet of Sebustieh, containing about three hundred inhabitants. The ruins of the ancient town are all scattered over the hill. The shafts of about 100 of what must have been grand Corinthian columns are still standing, and attract much attention, although nothing definite is known regarding them. (compare Micah 1:6.)

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Samaria and Jerusalem, the capitals of the two kingdoms, lie 35 miles apart as the crow flies.

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