At this point it is also appropriate to tell where the Samaritans originated. I say this because the entire region is called Samaria. From what source, then, did they derive this name? The mountain is called Semer from the man who had taken possession of it, [See 1Ki 16:24.] as Isaiah also said: “And the head of Samaria, Ephraim.” [Isa 7:9.] The inhabitants, however, were called not Samaritans but Israelites. But as time went on, they transgressed against God, and during the reign of Pekah, Tiglath-pileser went up and seized many cities. [See 2Ki 15:29.] After attacking ...