Correct Option: A. Disorder in Israel after the death of Jeroboam II Explanation of the Correct Answer: The fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, also known as the Kingdom of Israel or Ephraim, can be attributed to a combination of internal strife and external pressures. However, the most significant factor was the disorder and instability that followed the death of Jeroboam II, who ruled from approximately 793 to 753 BCE.

1. Jeroboam II's Reign: Jeroboam II was one of the most prosperous kings of Israel, and his reign was marked by military successes and economic prosperity. However, after his death, the kingdom faced a power vacuum and a series of weak rulers who were unable to maintain stability.
2. Political Instability: Following Jeroboam II's death, Israel experienced a rapid succession of kings, many of whom were assassinated or overthrown. This political instability weakened the central authority and led to infighting among various factions within the kingdom. The lack of strong leadership made it difficult to respond effectively to external threats.
3. Social and Economic Issues: The internal disorder was compounded by social injustices and economic disparities. The wealthy elite exploited the poor, leading to social unrest. Prophets like Amos and Hosea condemned these injustices, warning that such moral decay would lead to divine judgment.
4. Vulnerability to External Threats: The internal chaos made Israel vulnerable to external threats, particularly from the Assyrian Empire, which was expanding its territory during this period. The Assyrians took advantage of Israel's weakened state, leading to military confrontations.
5. Final Collapse: Ultimately, the combination of internal disorder and external aggression culminated in the Assyrian conquest of Israel in 722 BCE, when Samaria, the capital, was besieged and fell. However, the root cause of this downfall can be traced back to the instability that began after Jeroboam II's death.

Explanation of Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

• B. Jerusalem's attack by the Assyrian army: This option is misleading because while the Assyrians did attack and conquer Israel, the fall of the Northern Kingdom was primarily due to internal disorder rather than a direct attack on Jerusalem. Jerusalem was the capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, and while it faced threats, it was not the immediate cause of Israel's fall.
• C. Samaria being besieged and sacked: While it is true that Samaria was besieged and ultimately sacked by the Assyrians, this event was the result of the preceding internal disorder. The siege itself was a consequence of the weakened state of Israel, not the primary cause of its fall.
• D. Rezin's attack of Judah: Rezin was the king of Aram (Syria) and did attack Judah, but this was a separate conflict that did not directly lead to the fall of the Northern Kingdom. The focus of the question is on the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and Rezin's actions were more relevant to the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

Revision Summary:

• The fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel was primarily due to internal disorder after Jeroboam II's death.
• Political instability and weak leadership led to a power vacuum and social unrest.
• The Assyrian Empire exploited Israel's internal chaos, leading to its eventual conquest.
• Other options, while related to the broader context, do not directly address the primary cause of Israel's fall.