In what year did the Northern Kingdom fall?

• A. 586 BC
• B. 800 BC
• C. 500 BC
• D. 722 BC

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is understanding the timeline of the divided kingdoms after Solomon. After Solomon’s reign, the united kingdom split into two: the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). The Northern Kingdom was eventually conquered by the Assyrian Empire, and this destruction marked its end as a distinct political entity. That fall occurred around 722 BCE, when Samaria capitulated and many Israelites were exiled, leading to the dispersion of the northern tribes.

So the year 722 BCE is the date that best fits the end of the Northern Kingdom. By contrast, the other dates don’t fit this event: 586 BCE is when Judah fell to Babylon, not Israel; 800 BCE is earlier and before the kingdom was conquered; 500 BCE is well after the exile period had begun.