Johanan, a lesser-known figure in the biblical narrative, is identified as one of the sons of King Josiah of Judah. His mention in the Scriptures is brief, yet he is part of the royal lineage that played a significant role in the history of Judah during a tumultuous period.

Biblical References:

Johanan is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 3:15, which provides a genealogical record of the sons of Josiah. The verse states: "The sons of Josiah: Johanan was the firstborn, Jehoiakim the second son, Zedekiah the third, and Shallum the fourth." . This passage places Johanan as the eldest son of Josiah, although he does not appear prominently in the historical accounts of the kings of Judah.

Historical Context:

King Josiah, Johanan's father, was one of the most notable kings of Judah, known for his religious reforms and efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh. Josiah's reign marked a significant attempt to return to the covenantal faithfulness outlined in the Law of Moses. His reforms included the removal of idolatrous practices and the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem (2 Kings 22-23).

Despite being the firstborn, Johanan does not ascend to the throne, and the biblical narrative does not provide further details about his life or role in the kingdom. Instead, his brothers Jehoiakim, Zedekiah, and Shallum (also known as Jehoahaz) are more prominently featured in the accounts of the kings of Judah.

Theological Significance:

Johanan's mention in the genealogical records serves as a reminder of the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative. The chronicler's inclusion of Johanan underscores the significance of family lines in the unfolding account of God's people. While Johanan himself does not play a direct role in the events that follow, his position as the firstborn son of Josiah places him within the broader context of Judah's royal history.

Speculations and Traditions:

Due to the lack of detailed information about Johanan in the biblical text, some traditions and interpretations have speculated about his life and potential contributions. However, these remain speculative and are not substantiated by the canonical Scriptures.

In summary, Johanan, the son of Josiah, is a figure whose presence in the biblical record is primarily genealogical. His mention highlights the importance of family lineage in the history of Judah, even as the narrative focus shifts to his brothers and their roles in the kingdom's history.1 Chronicles 3:15
And the sons of Josiah were, the firstborn Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum.
Nave's Topical Index

The Captivity.
... The last son of Josiah, Mattanias, or ... feast, with many Jews and Chaldeans, and was
on his way to his friend, the King of Ammon, when Johanan, a friend of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson x the captivity.htm

On Daniel. I. Preface by the Most Holy Hippolytus, (Bishop) of ...
... Now there are born to the blessed Josiah these five sons"Jehoahaz, Eliakim, Johanan,
Zedekiah, or ... On his removal, his son Jehoiakim [1289] reigns three ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel i preface by.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... The date is supplied by the opening passage of the prophecy of Jeremiah, "to whom
the word of Jehovah came in the days of Josiah, the son of Amon, King of ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... CHAPTER 5. How Josiah Fought With Neco [King Of Egypt ... Slew Jehoiakim, And Made
Jeholachin His Son King ... Afterward Slain By Ishmael; And How Johanan After Ishmael ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

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