Josiah, the sixteenth king of Judah, is often remembered for his zealous reforms and dedication to the worship of Yahweh. His reign, which lasted from approximately 640 to 609 BC, is detailed in the biblical books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Josiah's self-will is a significant aspect of his character, as it reflects both his determination to restore true worship in Judah and his tragic end due to a moment of self-reliance.

Early Reforms and Zeal for God

Josiah ascended to the throne at the tender age of eight, following the assassination of his father, Amon. His early years were marked by a commitment to the ways of his ancestor David, as he "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left" (2 Kings 22:2). At the age of sixteen, Josiah began to seek the God of his father David, and by the age of twenty, he initiated a series of religious reforms aimed at purging Judah and Jerusalem of idolatry (2 Chronicles 34:3-7).

Josiah's self-will is evident in his determination to cleanse the land of pagan influences. He ordered the destruction of the high places, Asherah poles, and carved idols, demonstrating a resolute commitment to the exclusive worship of Yahweh. His reforms culminated in the repair of the Temple in Jerusalem, during which the Book of the Law was discovered. Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah tore his clothes in repentance and sought guidance from the prophetess Huldah (2 Kings 22:11-14).

Covenant Renewal and Passover Celebration

In response to the rediscovered Law, Josiah gathered the people of Judah and Jerusalem to renew their covenant with the LORD. He read the words of the Book of the Covenant to the assembly and led them in a pledge to follow the LORD and keep His commandments (2 Kings 23:1-3). This act of national repentance and renewal underscores Josiah's self-will in aligning his kingdom with divine mandates.

Josiah's reforms reached their zenith with the celebration of the Passover, which was observed with unprecedented fervor and adherence to the Law. "No such Passover had been observed since the days of the judges who judged Israel, or all the days of the kings of Israel and Judah" (2 Kings 23:22). This event highlights Josiah's determination to restore the spiritual heritage of Israel.

The Downfall of Self-Will

Despite his commendable zeal, Josiah's self-will ultimately led to his downfall. In 609 BC, Pharaoh Necho of Egypt marched to assist the Assyrians against the rising power of Babylon. Josiah, acting on his own initiative, decided to intercept Necho at Megiddo, despite the Egyptian king's warning that God had commanded him to hurry (2 Chronicles 35:20-22). Josiah's decision to engage in battle without seeking divine counsel proved fatal, as he was mortally wounded and died shortly thereafter (2 Chronicles 35:23-24).

Josiah's death marked the end of an era of reform and the beginning of Judah's decline towards exile. His self-will, while initially a force for good, ultimately led to a tragic end when it was not tempered by seeking God's guidance.

Legacy

Josiah's legacy is one of both commendable zeal and cautionary self-reliance. His reforms left a lasting impact on Judah, and he is remembered as one of the most righteous kings in the history of Israel. "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). Josiah's life serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning one's will with God's purposes and seeking His guidance in all endeavors.2 Chronicles 35:22
Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and listened not to the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.
Nave's Topical Index

The Captivity.
... The last son of Josiah, Mattanias, or Zedekiah, was set up as king, and reigned ... His
self-will met its deserts; he was taken by Nebuzaradan, the captain who had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson x the captivity.htm

Index of Subjects.
... no ground for separation, [1893]429. their self-will, [1894]429, [1895]430,
[1896]432. ... different from Christ's, [2250]553, [2251]554. Josiah, [2252]640. ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /index of subjects 2.htm

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