Kingdom of Israel Never Restored

The destruction of the kingdom of Israel was a tragic affair in the history of God’s chosen people. In the first place, large numbers of the people were carried as captives into heathen lands. They were separated into companies, and placed in different cities. Here they remained until death. The kingdom was never restored. In the second place, the Assyrian rulers carried back to the land of Israel inhabitants of the same heathen lands in which Israel had been placed. “The king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof.” 2 Kings 17:24.AGP 124.4

From this time forward the inhabitants of the northern territory were called Samaritans. (See 2 Kings 17:29.) They were never taken back to their native lands. Although they suffered great cruelties at times from despotic rulers who gained possession of Palestine, they remained in the land. It was their descendants that were known as Samaritans during the ministry of Christ and the apostles. The contempt in which they wereAGP 124.5

held by the Jews is revealed in the accusation the Jews made against Jesus: “Say we not well that Thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” John 8:48. This antagonism is also revealed by the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in Samaria: “How is it,” she said to Jesus, “that Thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.” John 4:9.AGP 125.1

But the Master never shared or approved of this bitterness against the Samaritans He went among them. expressed His love for them, taught them the gospel of salvation and received them into His fold. After His ascension, when through persecution the members of the church at Jerusalem were scattered abroad, some went to Samaria. There Philip preached Christ unto them. “And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake…. And there was great joy in that city.” Acts 8:6-8. A great work of salvation followed. Thus blessings of infinite worth came to the remnant of the Samaritans.AGP 125.2