Introduction:
Josiah, also known as Josias, was the sixteenth king of Judah, renowned for his piety and reformative zeal. His reign is documented in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where he is depicted as a monarch who earnestly sought to restore the worship of Yahweh and eradicate idolatry from his kingdom. Josiah's account is a testament to the power of righteous leadership and the impact of returning to God's covenant.

Early Life and Ascension to the Throne:
Josiah was born to King Amon and Queen Jedidah. He ascended to the throne at the tender age of eight following the assassination of his father, Amon (2 Kings 21:24-26; 2 Chronicles 33:25). Despite his youth, Josiah's reign was marked by a sincere commitment to the ways of the Lord, contrasting sharply with the idolatrous practices of his predecessors.

Religious Reforms:
Josiah's most notable achievements were his extensive religious reforms, which began in the twelfth year of his reign. He sought to purify Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, Asherah poles, and other idolatrous artifacts (2 Chronicles 34:3-7). His reforms were catalyzed by the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple by Hilkiah the high priest. Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah tore his clothes in distress, realizing the extent of Judah's deviation from God's commandments (2 Kings 22:11).

Covenant Renewal:
In response to the rediscovered Law, Josiah convened all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, from the greatest to the least, and read the words of the Book of the Covenant to them. He renewed the covenant before the Lord, committing himself and the people to follow the Lord and keep His commandments with all their heart and soul (2 Kings 23:1-3; 2 Chronicles 34:29-32).

Passover Celebration:
Josiah's reforms culminated in a grand celebration of the Passover, which was observed with unprecedented zeal and adherence to the prescriptions of the Law. The Passover held during Josiah's reign was unparalleled since the days of the judges who led Israel, and it was a significant moment of national spiritual renewal (2 Kings 23:21-23; 2 Chronicles 35:1-19).

Prophetic Endorsement:
The prophetess Huldah confirmed the authenticity of the Book of the Law and prophesied that disaster would come upon Judah due to its past sins. However, she assured Josiah that because of his humility and repentance, he would be spared from witnessing the impending judgment (2 Kings 22:14-20).

Death and Legacy:
Josiah's reign ended tragically when he was killed in battle at Megiddo by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt (2 Kings 23:29-30; 2 Chronicles 35:20-24). His death was deeply mourned by the people of Judah, and he was remembered as a king who turned to the Lord with all his heart, soul, and might, in accordance with the Law of Moses (2 Kings 23:25).

Biblical References:
· 2 Kings 21:24-26; 22:1-23:30
· 2 Chronicles 33:25; 34:1-35:27

Josiah's life and reign serve as a powerful example of the blessings that accompany obedience to God and the transformative power of sincere repentance and reform. His account is a reminder of the importance of returning to the foundational truths of Scripture and leading with integrity and devotion to God's will.Matthew 1:10,11
And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
Nave's Topical Index

Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
... The sacred narrative continues: "And all Judah and Jerusalem ... too corrupt to receive
them; the last king of the ... his native country[24]." As for Josiah, as it is ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon vii josiah a pattern.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... of Amame, and he who came from Judah to Jeroboam ... prophet, was slain by Pharaoh Necho
king of Egypt ... Josiah was succeeded by Jechoniah, called also Joachas, [2063 ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... If judgment comes, Josiah's posture of tenderness will be ... a great host, came up against
Judah, and having ... under a great consternation; but the king and princes ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

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