Who Were The Samartians?
The Samaritans were a pagan or more specifically reprobate group of people whom the Jews religiously avoided.
They are believed by bible scholars and historians to be a mixed group having descendants from Israel and Assyria as a result of being taken by the Assyrians from Israel as slaves.
| Group | Origin / Background |
|---|---|
| Jews | Descendants of the southern kingdom of Judah; maintained Jerusalem as their religious and political center; lineage traced to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob through Judah. |
| Samaritans | Originated from the northern kingdom of Israel (10 tribes) after the Assyrian conquest (722 BCE). Assyrians resettled foreigners into the land, who intermarried with remaining Israelites. Samaritans claim descent from Joseph’s tribes (Ephraim and Manasseh). |
As such the true 'full breed" Jews and the Samaritans did not agree on worship for the Samaritans mixed Jewish understanding and Assyrian religion.
The Jews worshipped at the temple in Jerusalem, but the Samaritans worshipped elsewhere.
| Aspect | Jews | Samaritans |
|---|---|---|
| Sacred Scripture | Torah + Prophets + Writings (Hebrew Bible) | Only the Pentateuch (Torah); minor textual differences |
| Temple / Worship | Jerusalem Temple | Mount Gerizim |
| Messianic Expectation | Awaited Messiah from Davidic line | Expected a prophet like Moses |
| Ritual Practices | Observed full Mosaic law, festivals in Jerusalem | Observed Torah, sacrifices at Gerizim, slightly different calendar |
As a group, the Samaritans adhered to five core affirmations.
Five Core Samaritan Affirmations
Monotheism – One God
Samaritans affirm belief in one God (Yahweh), the Creator and Ruler of the universe.
Torah-Centered Faith
Only the Pentateuch (first five books of Moses) is authoritative scripture; later Jewish writings (Prophets, Writings) are not accepted.
Mount Gerizim as the Holy Place
Samaritans affirm that Mount Gerizim is the divinely chosen location for worship, not Jerusalem.
Observance of Mosaic Law
Full adherence to Torah commandments and festivals, especially Passover, which is celebrated on Mount Gerizim.
Expectation of a Restorer or Prophet
Samaritans anticipate a coming figure, the Taheb, a prophet-like restorer in the tradition of Moses, who will lead the faithful.
The Samaritans in Scripture:
Among some of the most notable references in the New Testament include The Lord Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman, and the story of The Good Samaritan which built on themes of love for ones neighbor in service of God.
The Samaritan Woman Speaks with The Lord Jesus in John 4
4 Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), 3 He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. 4 But He needed to go through Samaria.
5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.
9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.
