Why did pure Jews despise the Samaritans in Jesus' day?
In Jesus' day, the Samaritans were regarded as half-breed Jews who had lost their pure Jewish character. Because of this mixed lineage and compromised identity, pure Jews looked down on them and detested them, treating them as inferior. This social and religious contempt explains why they were despised by the pure Jewish population.
Les explains that at the time of Matthew 10:5, the Samaritans were half-breed Jews. They had lost their pure character as Jews, and consequently were looked down upon and detested by the pure Jew. He also notes that Jesus would later in His ministry still go to the city of Samaria, which contrasts with the initial command not to enter any city of the Samaritans.
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
More Questions
Did Jesus command His disciples to avoid Gentiles and Samaritans?
When Jesus sent forth the twelve, He commanded them, not suggested, to go not into the way of the Gentiles and to not enter any city of the Samaritans.