Topical Encyclopedia Josiah, the son of Amon and the grandson of Manasseh, reigned as the king of Judah from approximately 640 to 609 BC. His reign is noted for significant religious reforms and a return to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Josiah's life and reign were marked by prophecies that underscored his role in the divine plan for Judah.Prophecy of the Birth of Josiah The earliest prophecy concerning Josiah is found in 1 Kings 13:1-2. During the reign of King Jeroboam of Israel, a man of God from Judah prophesied against the altar at Bethel, declaring, "Behold, a son shall be born to the house of David, Josiah by name, and upon you he shall sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and human bones shall be burned on you" . This prophecy, made over three centuries before Josiah's birth, highlights the divine foreknowledge and the specific role Josiah would play in purging idolatry from the land. Fulfillment of the Prophecy Josiah's fulfillment of this prophecy is recorded in 2 Kings 23:15-16. During his extensive reforms, Josiah destroyed the altar at Bethel, fulfilling the words spoken by the man of God. "Even the altar at Bethel, the high place made by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had caused Israel to sin—even that altar and high place he demolished. He burned the high place and ground it to powder, and he burned the Asherah pole" . Josiah's actions were a direct fulfillment of the prophecy, demonstrating his commitment to eradicating idolatry and restoring true worship. Prophecy of Josiah's Death Despite his piety and reforms, Josiah's death was also foretold. In 2 Kings 22:18-20, the prophetess Huldah conveyed a message from God to Josiah, stating that he would be "gathered to your fathers in peace, and your eyes will not see all the disaster that I am going to bring on this place" . This prophecy indicated that Josiah would not witness the impending judgment on Judah due to his faithfulness. Josiah's death occurred in battle at Megiddo, as recorded in 2 Kings 23:29-30. Although he died in conflict, the prophecy's essence was fulfilled in that he did not live to see the Babylonian conquest and the subsequent destruction of Jerusalem. Significance of the Prophecies The prophecies concerning Josiah underscore the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and individuals. Josiah's life was a testament to the fulfillment of divine promises and the importance of obedience to God's commands. His reign serves as a reminder of the blessings that accompany faithfulness and the certainty of God's word. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 13:1-3And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD to Bethel: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense. Nave's Topical Index Library Approaching Doom Manasseh and Josiah The Twelve Minor Prophets. The Book of the Law The Hebrew Prophecies. The Man and the Book. The Kingdom of Judah. Jeremiah Isaiah The Credibility of Scripture Sufficiently Proved in So Far as ... Resources Who are the Chemarim / Chemarims in Zephaniah 1:4? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Zedekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is a prophetess? Does the Bible mention any prophetesses? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Josiah Josiah: King of Judah in Keeping a Solemn Passover Josiah: King of Judah: Ancestor of Jesus Josiah: King of Judah: Called Josias Josiah: King of Judah: Destroys the Altar and High Places of Idolatry Josiah: King of Judah: Killed in Battle With Pharaoh-Necho Josiah: King of Judah: Lamentations For Josiah: King of Judah: Piety of Exemplified in his Repairing of the Temple Josiah: King of Judah: Prophecies Concerning Josiah: King of Judah: Solicitude when the Copy of the Law Was Discovered and Read to Him Related Terms |