Review of 'Jews and Samaritans: The Origins and History of their Early Relations' By Gary N. Knoppers. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013. Pp. xi + 326. Cloth, $58.00.

Abstract

Knoppers combines analysis of archaeological, inscriptional, numismatic, and textual evidence to revisit the question of Samaritan origins in the late eighth century. He argues that the Assyrian conquests and deportations resulted in both "destruction and dislocation" and "survival and conformity." Most of those who survived were Israelites (thus, "portions of 'the ten lost tribes' were never lost"), Assyria did not systematically impose its culture and religious practice, and so Yahwism continued to evolve in northern Israel.