Josiah, the sixteenth king of Judah, reigned from approximately 640 to 609 BC. He is remembered as one of the most righteous and reformative kings in the history of Judah, known for his zealous commitment to the worship of Yahweh and his efforts to rid the kingdom of idolatry. His reign is detailed in the biblical books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Early Life and Ascension to the Throne

Josiah was the son of Amon and the grandson of Manasseh, both of whom were kings of Judah. He ascended to the throne at the tender age of eight following the assassination of his father, Amon (2 Kings 21:24). Despite the idolatrous practices of his predecessors, Josiah's reign marked a significant spiritual renewal in Judah.

Religious Reforms

Josiah's reign is particularly noted for the religious reforms he instituted. In the eighteenth year of his reign, Josiah ordered the repair of the Temple in Jerusalem. During this restoration, the Book of the Law was discovered by Hilkiah the high priest (2 Kings 22:8). Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah was deeply moved and tore his clothes in repentance (2 Kings 22:11). He then sought guidance from the prophetess Huldah, who confirmed the impending judgment on Judah but assured Josiah that he would not witness it due to his humility and faithfulness (2 Kings 22:14-20).

In response, Josiah convened all the people and renewed the covenant with the Lord, committing to follow His commandments wholeheartedly (2 Kings 23:1-3). He purged the land of idolatry, destroying high places, Asherah poles, and other pagan altars (2 Kings 23:4-20). Josiah also reinstituted the Passover, which had not been observed with such dedication since the days of the judges (2 Kings 23:21-23).

Military Campaign and Death

Despite his piety and reforms, Josiah's life ended tragically in battle. In 609 BC, Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt marched north to assist the Assyrians against the rising power of Babylon. Josiah, for reasons not explicitly detailed in the biblical text, decided to intercept Necho at Megiddo. The Bible records that Necho sent messengers to Josiah, urging him not to interfere, as his campaign was divinely ordained (2 Chronicles 35:21). However, Josiah did not heed this warning and engaged in battle.

The battle at Megiddo proved fatal for Josiah. He was struck by archers and mortally wounded. His servants transported him back to Jerusalem, where he died and was buried in his own tomb (2 Kings 23:29-30; 2 Chronicles 35:23-24). The nation mourned his death deeply, and the prophet Jeremiah composed laments for him (2 Chronicles 35:25).

Legacy

Josiah's death marked the beginning of the end for the kingdom of Judah. His successors failed to maintain his reforms, and the nation quickly reverted to idolatry, leading to its eventual downfall and exile. Despite this, Josiah is remembered as a paragon of faithfulness and devotion to God. The biblical narrative commends him, stating, "Before him there was no king like him who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him" (2 Kings 23:25).2 Kings 23:29,30
In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.
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2 Chronicles 35:20-24
After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Charchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him.
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CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... To it also belonged the plain near the town of Megiddo, where Josiah, in the ... Jezebel,
but may well do so for the murder of Ahaziah, king of Judah, and of ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... Amame, and he who came from Judah to Jeroboam ... the 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 Sixth vision "On Earth"
... of Antipas, my faithful martyr, who was killed among you ... as to what the result of
this battle will be. ... his host (Judges 5:19); there King Josiah was overthrown ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

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