Jedidah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Second Book of Kings. Her name, Jedidah, means "beloved" or "darling" in Hebrew, reflecting a sense of endearment and affection. She is noted for her role as the mother of King Josiah, one of the most righteous and reformative kings of Judah.

Biblical Reference:

Jedidah is mentioned in 2 Kings 22:1, which states: "Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath."

Family Background:

Jedidah was the daughter of Adaiah and hailed from Bozkath, a town in the territory of Judah. The mention of her lineage and hometown provides insight into her heritage and the familial connections that were significant in the biblical narrative. Bozkath is identified in the tribal allotment of Judah, suggesting that Jedidah was of noble or notable descent within the tribe.

Role and Influence:

While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Jedidah's life or her direct influence on her son, King Josiah, her mention in the context of his reign suggests her importance in the royal lineage. As the mother of Josiah, she would have played a crucial role in his early upbringing and possibly in instilling values that later influenced his commitment to religious reform and adherence to the covenant with God.

Josiah is renowned for his efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh and eliminate idolatry from Judah, as detailed in 2 Kings 22-23. His reforms included the repair of the Temple in Jerusalem and the rediscovery of the Book of the Law, which led to a national renewal of faith. While the scriptures do not explicitly credit Jedidah with these reforms, her position as his mother suggests she may have had a formative impact on his character and spiritual development.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

In the broader theological context, Jedidah's mention underscores the importance of maternal figures in the biblical narrative. Her role, though briefly noted, highlights the influence of family and heritage in shaping the leaders of Israel and Judah. The legacy of Josiah's reign, marked by a return to covenantal faithfulness, can be seen as a reflection of the values and teachings imparted by his family, including his mother, Jedidah.

Jedidah's account, though not extensively detailed, serves as a reminder of the often-unseen contributions of women in biblical history. Her presence in the genealogy of a king who sought to align his kingdom with God's commandments illustrates the interconnectedness of family, faith, and leadership in the biblical tradition.Jedidah

well beloved; amiable

Jedidah

(one beloved), queen of Amon and mother of the good king Josiah. (2 Kings 22:1) (B.C. 648.)

JEDIDAH

je-di'-da (yedhidhah, "beloved"): Mother of King Josiah of Judah, daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath (2 Kings 22:1).

3040. Yedidah -- "beloved," mother of King Josiah
... 3039, 3040. Yedidah. 3041 . "beloved," mother of King Josiah. Transliteration:
Yedidah Phonetic Spelling: (yed-ee-daw') Short Definition: Jedidah. ... Jedidah. ...
/hebrew/3040.htm - 6k

How Amon Reigned Instead of Manasseh; and after Amon Reigned ...
... son Josiah, who was eight years old. His mother was of the city of Boscath,
and her name was Jedidah. He was of a most excellent ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how amon reigned.htm

Jedidah (1 Occurrence)
...JEDIDAH. je-di'-da (yedhidhah, "beloved"): Mother of King Josiah of Judah, daughter
of Adaiah of Bozkath (2 Kings 22:1). ...Jedidah (1 Occurrence). ...
/j/jedidah.htm - 7k

Jedi'dah (1 Occurrence)
Jedi'dah. Jedidah, Jedi'dah. Jedidiah . Multi-Version Concordance Jedi'dah
(1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Jedidah, Jedi'dah. Jedidiah . Reference Bible.
/j/jedi'dah.htm - 6k

Adaiah (8 Occurrences)
... captains of hundreds associated with Jehoiada the priest in making Joash king (2
Chronicles 23:1). (4) A resident of Bozkath, and father of Jedidah the mother ...
/a/adaiah.htm - 10k

Josi'ah (50 Occurrences)
... Kings 22:1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign; and he reigned thirty
and one years in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Jedidah the daughter ...
/j/josi'ah.htm - 21k

Jedi'a-el (5 Occurrences)
Jedi'a-el. Jediael, Jedi'a-el. Jedidah . Multi-Version Concordance Jedi'a-el
(5 Occurrences). ... Jediael, Jedi'a-el. Jedidah . Reference Bible.
/j/jedi'a-el.htm - 7k

Thirty-one (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 22:1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign; and he reigned
thirty-one years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Jedidah the daughter of ...
/t/thirty-one.htm - 7k

Boscath (1 Occurrence)
... and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name
was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath. (KJV WBS). ...
/b/boscath.htm - 6k

Bozkath (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 22:1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign; and he reigned
thirty-one years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Jedidah the daughter of ...
/b/bozkath.htm - 7k

Bozcath (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Kings 22:1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign; and he reigned
thirty-one years in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Jedidah, daughter of ...
/b/bozcath.htm - 6k

Boskath (1 Occurrence)
... 1 A son of eight years 'is' Josiah in his reigning, and thirty and one years he
hath reigned in Jerusalem, and the name of his mother 'is' Jedidah daughter of ...
/b/boskath.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus