Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Josiah, the sixteenth king of Judah, is remembered as one of the most righteous and reformative monarchs in the history of the Israelite kingdom. His reign, which lasted from approximately 640 to 609 BC, is noted for a significant religious revival and a return to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Josiah's account is primarily recorded in the 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; 2 Chronicles 33:25). Despite the idolatrous practices of his predecessors, Josiah's reign marked a dramatic shift towards the worship of the Lord. Religious Reforms: Josiah is best known for his extensive religious reforms, which were initiated in the eighteenth year of his reign. The catalyst for these reforms was the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple by Hilkiah the high priest (2 Kings 22:8). Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah tore his clothes in distress, recognizing the nation's deviation from God's commandments (2 Kings 22:11). In response, Josiah convened the elders of Judah and Jerusalem and read the Book of the Covenant to all the people. He renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord, committing himself and the people to follow the Lord and keep His commandments (2 Kings 23:1-3). Josiah's reforms included the removal of pagan altars and idols, the destruction of high places, and the reinstitution of the Passover, which had not been observed in such a manner since the days of the judges (2 Kings 23:4-25; 2 Chronicles 35:1-19). The Bible records, "Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses" (2 Kings 23:25). Prophetic Context: Josiah's reign occurred during a time of significant prophetic activity. The prophets Jeremiah, Zephaniah, and Nahum were contemporaries of Josiah, and their messages often aligned with the king's reforms. Despite Josiah's efforts, the prophets warned of impending judgment due to the sins of Manasseh and the persistent idolatry of the people (2 Kings 23:26-27; Jeremiah 3:6-10). Death and Legacy: Josiah's life came to a tragic end at the Battle of Megiddo, where he was mortally wounded by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt (2 Kings 23:29-30; 2 Chronicles 35:20-24). His death was deeply mourned by the nation, and the prophet Jeremiah composed laments in his honor (2 Chronicles 35:25). Josiah's legacy is one of devout faithfulness and zealous reform. His efforts to restore true worship in Judah left an indelible mark on the nation's history, serving as a model of godly leadership and obedience to God's law. His reign is a testament to the power of repentance and the importance of aligning a nation's practices with the divine will. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 21:24-26And the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 22:1 1 Chronicles 3:14 2 Chronicles 33:25 Greek 2502b. Iosias -- Josiah, a king of Judah ... 2502a, 2502b. Iosias. 2503 . Josiah, a king of Judah. Transliteration: Iosias Short Definition: Josiah. Word Origin of Hebrew origin ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2502b.htm - 5k 300. Amon -- Amon, a king of Judah 2423. Iechonias -- Jeconiah, a king of Judah 2502. Iosias -- Josech, an Israelite Library The Two Boy Kings. Manasseh and Josiah Josiah and the Newly Found Law Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant. The Rediscovered Law and Its Effects Approaching Doom From Megiddo to Carchemish, 608-605. The Book of the Law The Man and the Book. Genealogy of Jesus According to Matthew. Resources What happened to the Ark of the Covenant? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Jehoiachin in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Jehoiakim in the Bible? | 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 |
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