1 Kings - Map Collection
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Samaria and Shechem Capitals of the Northern Kingdom Map
$10.00
Discover why Israel’s northern kingdom moved its capital from Shechem to Samaria.
After Israel divided into two kingdoms, its northern rulers searched for a capital that was both secure and strategically located. This map highlights Shechem and Samaria, the two cities that shaped the history of the northern kingdom and became the backdrop for many of the Bible’s prophets.
Description
Story Behind the Map
When Solomon's son Rehoboam became king, the northern tribes broke away under Jeroboam I. Jeroboam first established his capital at Shechem, a city with deep roots in Israel's history. Abraham worshiped here, Jacob settled nearby, and Joshua challenged the people to renew their covenant with God between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal.
Later, King Omri purchased a nearby hill and built the new capital of Samaria. The city was easier to defend and sat beside one of the region's major north-south trade routes. Samaria remained the capital of the northern kingdom for nearly two centuries, and it became the home of kings such as Ahab and Jezebel. Many prophets, including Elijah, Elisha, Amos, and Hosea, ministered during this period, calling Israel to turn back to God.
The geography helps explain why these cities mattered. Shechem lay between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal at an important crossroads, while Samaria occupied a strong hilltop overlooking major trade routes. Their locations brought prosperity and influence but also exposed Israel to foreign cultures and political pressures. In 722 BC, the Assyrian Empire captured Samaria, ending the northern kingdom and sending many Israelites into exile.
