13. Samaria even unto Beth-horon. Neither of these places is on the line of march for an army returning from the road to Edom to the country of Israel, for Samaria was the capital of Israel lying 35 north of Jerusalem, and the two Beth-horons lay 10 and 12 northwest of Jerusalem. If the troops had been dismissed before the march to Edom began, the forces of Judah would have been in a position to counter the depredations of the dismissed Israelites. It is possible that after the Israelites had returned to their country they were sent out from King Jehoash in Samaria to institute a raid against Judah, whereupon the incensed soldiers fell upon the inhabitants of the border area around Beth-horon.