King Josiah

King Josiah, one of Judah's most significant and godly rulers, reigned from approximately 640 to 609 BC. His reign is recorded in 2 Kings 22–23 and 2 Chronicles 34–35, where he is portrayed as a king who led a spiritual reformation in Judah.

Josiah ascended to the throne at just eight years old after the assassination of his father, King Amon, a wicked ruler who had led Judah further into idolatry (2 Kings 21:19-26). Josiah's grandfather, Manasseh, was also a notoriously evil king who promoted Baal worship, divination, and even child sacrifice (2 Kings 21:1-18). However, despite his lineage, Josiah did “what was right in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 22:2).

At age 16, Josiah began to seek the Lord (2 Chron. 34:3), and by age 20, he actively purged Judah of idolatry, removing high places, Asherah poles, and altars to false gods (2 Chron. 34:3-7).

At age 26, while overseeing temple repairs, the Book of the Law (likely Deuteronomy) was rediscovered (2 Kings 22:8-11). When Josiah heard its words, he tore his robes in grief, recognizing Judah’s deep covenant unfaithfulness. This reaction aligns with Reformed teaching on the power of God's Word to convict and bring about repentance (Heb. 4:12).

Seeking guidance, Josiah sent for the prophetess Huldah, who confirmed that God's judgment was coming due to Judah’s persistent rebellion. However, because of Josiah's humility and repentance, God promised that judgment would not come in his lifetime (2 Kings 22:15-20). This highlights both God’s justice in punishing sin and His mercy toward those who repent—central themes in Reformed theology.

Josiah responded by leading a national covenant renewal, reading the Law publicly and calling Judah to obey God (2 Kings 23:1-3).

Josiah then reinstituted Passover on a national scale (2 Chron. 35:1-19), showing his commitment to biblical worship. His reign exemplifies a rejection of human traditions and idolatrous innovations.

However, Josiah’s life ended tragically. He unwisely engaged Pharaoh Neco in battle at Megiddo and was mortally wounded (2 Kings 23:29). His death was a sorrowful event, and even the prophet Jeremiah lamented for him (2 Chron. 35:25). Yet, his legacy remained: he was Judah’s last godly king before Babylon’s destruction.