Josiah

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew Yô’šiyyāh (“Yahweh supports/heals”), reflecting the divine name and aid
• Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (late 7th century BC)
• Main References: 2 Kings 22–23; 2 Chronicles 34–35
• Key Connections: Son of Amon and grandson of Manasseh; interacted with the prophetess Huldah; Davidic king in Judah

Who was Josiah?

Josiah was a king of Judah who began reigning as a child and later initiated major religious reforms in Jerusalem and Judah.
During temple repairs, a “Book of the Law” was found, prompting public covenant renewal.
He sought to align royal policy and worship with the covenantal requirements associated with Moses.

Key Events & Achievements

• Temple restoration and discovery: Oversaw repairs to the temple during which the Book of the Law was found and read before him (2 Kings 22:3–11).
• Covenant renewal and reform: Led a national covenant ceremony and removed illicit cult objects and practices associated with non-Yahwistic worship (2 Kings 23:1–20).
• Passover observance: Organized a Passover in Jerusalem described as unparalleled in many generations (2 Kings 23:21–23).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Josiah’s reign shows how covenant texts and recognized prophetic counsel could shape royal leadership and national worship in Judah.

Key Verse

"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, NIV