2.1 The Politics and Geography of Palestine The region of Palestine, while quite small, was a critical trade route in the ancient world Palestine had three distinct regions – Galilee to the north, Samaria to the south, and Judea, even further south

Galilee: Galilee had very fertile land Jews living there were quite isolated (separated) from other Jews Because of this, they interacted (and at times, married) regularly with non-Jews (Gentiles) and were thus viewed suspiciously by Jews living in other regions of Palestine This wouldn’t have been seen as “racist”. In this time, very few people interacted with, let alone married, people outside their racial or cultural community

Samaria: Samaria was in between the main Jewish centers of Galilee and Judea Samaritans were not liked by Jews because they were people of mixed-race (thus, they were never acknowledged as “real” Jews – again, remember that inter-racial and inter-religious activity was strictly forbidden) So even if a “real” Jew lived in Samaria, he would not be viewed or received warmly

Judea: Judea was in the southern part of Palestine It was the largest of the three regions and included the most important Jewish city, Jerusalem (their spiritual center) Jerusalem was the city of David and the site of God’s holy temple Judea eventually came under the rule of Herod - a wicked ruler…and the suffering of God’s people would begin (again) Judean Desert Jerusalem