Topical Bible: Josiah: Son of Zephaniah

◄ Josiah: Son of Zephaniah ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Josiah, the son of Zephaniah, is a lesser-known biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Zechariah. He is distinct from the more prominent King Josiah of Judah. Josiah, son of Zephaniah, plays a role in the post-exilic period of Israel's history, a time marked by the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Biblical Context

Josiah is mentioned in Zechariah 6:10, where the prophet Zechariah is instructed by God to take an offering from the exiles Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have arrived from Babylon. The silver and gold they bring are to be used to make a crown for Joshua, the high priest. The passage reads: "Take an offering from the exiles—from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have arrived from Babylon—and go that same day to the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah" (Zechariah 6:10).

Role and Significance

Josiah's role, as indicated in this passage, is that of a host or a custodian for the exiles who have returned from Babylon. His house serves as a meeting place for the prophet Zechariah and the returning exiles, suggesting that he was a person of some standing and influence within the community. The fact that the exiles bring their offerings to his house implies a level of trust and respect for Josiah.

The act of crafting a crown for Joshua the high priest is symbolic, representing the restoration of the priesthood and the hope for a future messianic king. Josiah's involvement, though indirect, places him within the narrative of Israel's restoration and the prophetic vision of a renewed covenant community.

Historical and Theological Implications

The mention of Josiah, son of Zephaniah, in the context of the post-exilic period highlights the collaborative efforts of various individuals in the restoration of Israel. His inclusion in the narrative underscores the importance of community and leadership in the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

From a theological perspective, Josiah's role, though minor, contributes to the overarching theme of redemption and restoration found throughout the prophetic books. The rebuilding of the Temple and the re-establishment of the priesthood are seen as precursors to the coming of the Messiah, who would fulfill the ultimate promise of salvation for Israel and the nations.

Conclusion

While Josiah, son of Zephaniah, does not play a major role in the biblical narrative, his mention in the book of Zechariah serves as a reminder of the many individuals who contributed to the restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile. His involvement in the prophetic actions of Zechariah highlights the interconnectedness of God's people and the collective effort required to bring about His divine purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Zechariah 6:10
Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah, which are come from Babylon, and come you the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Manasseh and Josiah
... own servants; and "the people of the land made Josiah his son king in ... During the
reign of Josiah the word of the Lord came to Zephaniah, specifying plainly ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 32 manasseh and josiah.htm

The Captivity.
... Manasseh's son, Amon, undid all the reformation of his ... that in His mercy, He would
spare Josiah the sight ... peace; and at the same time Zephaniah likewise spoke ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson x the captivity.htm

Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
... the pious Hezekiah, and Josiah was the son of wicked ... relating to his own duties[16],
Josiah read in ... have known the prophets Jeremiah or Zephaniah, though the ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon vii josiah a pattern.htm

The Rediscovered Law and Its Effects
... and it is well for us if, like Josiah, we rend ... the kingdom of darkness into that
of God's dear Son.'. ... Jeremiah and Zephaniah were both living at this time, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the rediscovered law and its.htm

Zephaniah and Haggai.
... Zephaniah and Haggai. Zephaniah. The Prophet. He is a son of Cushi, a descendant
of Hezekiah, and prophesied about 630 BC during the reign of Josiah. ...
/.../chapter xxii zephaniah and haggai.htm

Questions.
... A. Jeremiah, Zephaniah, and a little later, Habbakuk. ... family, or else it meant that
his son should not ... What was Ezekiel's lamentation for the sons of Josiah? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... 9. We learn from 2 Kings 14:25 that Jonah, the son of Amittai, was of Gath-hepher,
which is undoubtedly ... Zephaniah prophesied in the reign of Josiah (1:1 ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

Advertisement
... The words of Jeremiah, the Son of Hilkiah, to whom ... of the Lord came in the days of
Josiah, Jehoiakim, and ... Habakkuk did see, The Prophecy of Zephaniah, The Book ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/advertisement.htm

The Prophet --His Youth and his Call.
... influences on the spirit of its greatest son was its ... years, prophets were again to
appear: Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk ... The young King Josiah, who to the end was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/lecture iii the prophethis youth.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... Josiah was succeeded by Jechoniah, called also Joachas, [2063] his son, who reigned ...
[2053] Not of her brother, but of her son Ahaziah, all of ... [2060] Zephaniah. ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm