Josiah, the sixteenth king of Judah, is remembered as one of the most righteous and reformative monarchs in the history of the Southern Kingdom. His reign is detailed in the biblical books of 2 Kings 22-23 and 2 Chronicles 34-35. Josiah ascended to the throne at the tender age of eight following the assassination of his father, King Amon. His reign lasted for 31 years, from approximately 640 to 609 BC.

Early Reign and Religious Reforms

Josiah's early years as king were marked by a commitment to the ways of the LORD, a stark contrast to the idolatrous practices of his predecessors. The Bible records, "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). This steadfast devotion set the stage for a series of significant religious reforms.

In the eighteenth year of his reign, Josiah initiated a major restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem. During this renovation, the High Priest Hilkiah discovered the Book of the Law, believed to be a form of the Deuteronomic code. Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah was deeply moved and tore his clothes in an act of repentance (2 Kings 22:11). Recognizing the nation's deviation from God's commandments, Josiah sought guidance from the prophetess Huldah, who confirmed the impending judgment on Judah but assured Josiah of peace during his lifetime due to his humility and faithfulness (2 Kings 22:14-20).

Covenant Renewal and Passover Celebration

In response to the rediscovered Law, Josiah convened all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, reading the words of the covenant aloud and leading them in a renewal of their commitment to the LORD (2 Kings 23:1-3). This covenant renewal was accompanied by a sweeping purge of idolatry throughout the land. Josiah ordered the destruction of high places, Asherah poles, and other pagan altars, including those established by previous kings (2 Kings 23:4-20).

One of Josiah's most notable religious reforms was the reinstitution of the Passover celebration, which had not been observed with such fervor since the days of the judges. The Bible notes, "No such Passover had been observed since the days of the judges who judged Israel, nor throughout all the days of the kings of Israel and Judah" (2 Kings 23:22). This observance was a testament to Josiah's dedication to restoring the worship of Yahweh according to the ancient statutes.

Military Campaigns and Death

Josiah's reign, while primarily characterized by religious reform, also included military engagements. In 609 BC, Josiah confronted Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt, who was marching to assist the Assyrians against the rising Babylonian power. Despite warnings from Necho, Josiah engaged in battle at Megiddo, where he was fatally wounded (2 Kings 23:29). His death was a significant loss for Judah, and he was mourned deeply by the nation (2 Chronicles 35:24-25).

Legacy

Josiah's legacy is that of a king who earnestly sought to restore the covenant relationship between God and His people. His reforms, though unable to avert the eventual judgment on Judah, demonstrated a profound commitment to the LORD and left an indelible mark on the spiritual life of the nation. The prophet Jeremiah and others lamented his passing, recognizing the loss of a godly leader who had sought to lead his people back to the true worship of Yahweh.2 Kings 22:1-23:30
Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 34:1-35:27
Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Two Boy Kings.
... soon after Solomon's death, and a king reigned in Jerusalem ... of Judah, and another
in Samaria over the kingdom of ... among them were two who became kings when they ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxx the two boy.htm

The Reign of David.
... The first part was over Judah, with the capitol at ... this period Ishbosheth, son of
Saul, reigned over Israel in ... probable that both of these kings were regarded ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

Josiah
... old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem ... and to floor the houses which
the kings of Judah ... Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/josiah.htm

The Divided Kingdom.
... Reigned IS years and died. ... During this time the kings of Judah cherished the
hope that they would regain their control over the ten tribes. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiii the divided kingdom.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Became More Wicked Than All The Kings That Had ... How Jotham, The Son Of Uzziah Reigned
Over The Tribe ... Instead Of Manasseh; And After Amon Reigned Josiah; He Was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... crumbled buildings, and strewn all over with pieces ... The Assyrian kings of western
Asia, also invaded ... Sennacherib, the monarch who reigned seven hundred years ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

The Prophet Hosea.
... But the pernicious influence extended still further over the whole ... a short reign
of six months, 2 Kings 15:10 ... Shallum, after he had reigned only one month, was ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet hosea.htm

The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
... among them; and several pious princes reigned over them. ... Then, impartial heaven
"stretched over Jerusalem the line of ... One of their kings did much to swell that ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxix the sins of.htm

Questions.
... 29. Who reigned after Hezekiah? 30. ... 24. What was the great wilfulness of these kings?
25. What was the end of Jehoiakim? ... 41. Who boasted over Jerusalem? 42. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... and afterwards over all Israel; and Jesus reigned from the ... and Jesus wedded two
daughters of kings, the congregation ... shall not again have dominion over Him for ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

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