### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shômᵉrôwn**, represented by `{{H8111}}`, means **watch-station** and refers to the place in Palestine known as **Samaria**. It appears **109 times** across **101 unique verses**. Initially the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, it became a focal point of prophecy, representing both political power and profound spiritual rebellion against God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8111}}` is established when King Omri bought a hill from Shemer and **built** a city, naming it **Samaria** [[1 Kings 16:24]]. As the capital of Ephraim [[Isaiah 7:9]], it was a center of royal and military activity, with kings holding court at its gate [[1 Kings 22:10]] and being besieged by enemies like Syria [[1 Kings 20:1]]. However, it also became a center of idolatry, with King Ahab building an altar to Baal within the city [[1 Kings 16:32]]. The prophets condemned its wickedness, identifying **Samaria** as the core "transgression of Jacob" [[Micah 1:5]] and the source of false prophecy that led Israel astray [[Jeremiah 23:13]]. Ultimately, the king of Assyria **took** `{{H3920}}` **Samaria** and carried its people into exile [[2 Kings 17:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the story of Samaria:
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This word marks the city's origin, as King Omri **built** `{{H1129}}` on the hill he purchased, establishing the city that would become the capital of the northern kingdom [[1 Kings 16:24]].
* `{{H4784}}` **mârâh** (to rebel): This term captures the essence of Samaria's spiritual failure. The city is condemned because it **rebelled** `{{H4784}}` against God, which led directly to the prophecy of its violent destruction [[Hosea 13:16]].
* `{{H6696}}` **tsûwr** (to besiege): This word describes the military pressure and judgment Samaria faced. The city was repeatedly **besieged** `{{H6696}}` by foreign powers like Syria and Assyria, culminating in a three-year siege that led to its fall [[2 Kings 17:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8111}}` is primarily as a symbol of apostasy and its consequences.
* **Center of Idolatry:** Samaria is consistently portrayed as a hub of false worship. It was home to Ahab's altar for Baal [[1 Kings 16:32]], and its idolatrous "calf of **Samaria**" was destined to be **broken in pieces** `{{H7616}}` [[Hosea 8:6]]. Ezekiel personifies **Samaria** as Aholah, the unfaithful elder sister of Jerusalem [[Ezekiel 23:4]].
* **Object of Divine Judgment:** Due to its sin, Samaria became a focus of divine wrath. Micah prophesied that God would make **Samaria** "as an heap of the field" [[Micah 1:6]]. The judgment enacted upon **Samaria** was later used as a measuring line for the impending judgment on Jerusalem [[2 Kings 21:13]].
* **Symbol of Social Injustice:** The prophets denounced the elite of **Samaria** for their corruption. They were condemned for oppressing the poor and crushing the needy [[Amos 4:1]] and for living **at ease** `{{H7600}}` while trusting in their own mountain instead of God [[Amos 6:1]].
* **Promise of Restoration:** Despite the severe judgment, scripture includes a future hope for the region. The fields of **Samaria** will one day be possessed again [[Obadiah 1:19]], vines will be planted on its mountains [[Jeremiah 31:5]], and its captivity will be restored [[Ezekiel 16:53]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8111}}` is far more than a location on a map. It serves as a powerful biblical case study of a nation's capital that became synonymous with idolatry, social oppression, and rebellion. The story of **Samaria** stands as a stark warning about the consequences of turning away from God, illustrating the certainty of divine judgment while also containing a thread of hope for eventual restoration.
TRV