Josiah

*Josiah’s story is told in 2 Kings 21:24-23:30; 2 Chronicles 33:25-35:27

Who is Josiah?

  • The 16th King of Judah: Josiah was the son of King Amon and the grandson of King Manasseh. He took the throne at the tender age of 8.
  • Time Period: His reign lasted from 640 to 609 B.C., making him one of the last kings before the fall of Jerusalem.
  • Cultural Background: He was born into a time when Judah had significantly deviated from God, embracing idolatry and other spiritual malpractices.

Strengths and Accomplishments

  • Started Young: Became king at just 8 years old but displayed maturity beyond his years.
  • Dedicated to God: Began to seek God at the age of 16.
  • Rooting Out Idolatry: Destroyed idols and false places of worship across Judah, beginning when he was just 20 years old.
  • Repair of the Temple: Ordered the repair of the Temple of the Lord, leading to the discovery of the Book of the Law.
  • National Repentance and Covenant: Led the nation in repentance and renewed the covenant with God.
  • Passover Restoration: Instituted one of the most historically significant Passovers.

Weaknesses and Mistakes

  • Impulsive Decisions: His decision to engage in battle with Pharaoh Necho II at Megiddo wasn’t divinely guided.
  • Untimely Death: Died in battle at a young age of 39, despite his devotion and dedication to God.

Lessons from His Life

  • Importance of Seeking God Early: Josiah’s young age didn’t deter him from seeking God.
  • Transformation is Possible: His life shows that an entire nation can turn back to God through dedicated leadership.
  • Obedience Over Zeal: Josiah’s zeal led him to confront Pharaoh Necho, but it wasn’t aligned with God’s will, resulting in his tragic death.
  • Legacy Matters: Despite his early death, Josiah left an enduring spiritual legacy.

Key Verses (NIV)

  • 2 Kings 22:2 – “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.”
  • 2 Chronicles 34:27 – “Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what he spoke against this place and its people, and because you humbled yourself before me and tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the Lord.”