Josiah was one of the most godly kings of Judah, known for his zeal in restoring true worship and his commitment to the Word of God. He began to reign at just eight years old and ruled for 31 years. His reign is recorded in 2 Kings 22–23 and 2 Chronicles 34–35.
Despite being surrounded by a history of idolatry, Josiah sought the Lord early in life. At age sixteen, he began to seek after the God of David. By age twenty, he purged Judah and Jerusalem of idols, altars, and pagan worship. 2 Chronicles 34:3 says:
“For in the eighth year of his reign… he began to seek the God of his father David; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem.”
A pivotal moment came when the Book of the Law was discovered during temple repairs. When it was read to Josiah, he tore his clothes in grief and repentance, realizing how far the nation had strayed. 2 Kings 22:19 records God’s response to Josiah:
“Because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before the Lord… I also have heard you.”
Josiah then led a thorough spiritual reformation. He renewed the covenant with the Lord, removed the idolatrous priests, destroyed the high places, and reinstituted the Passover, celebrated with a devotion not seen since the days of Samuel (2 Chronicles 35:18–19).
Despite these reforms, judgment still loomed over Judah due to past sins, but God delayed it during Josiah’s reign because of his faithfulness. Sadly, Josiah died in battle against Pharaoh Necho at Megiddo, a conflict he was warned not to enter.
Josiah’s life teaches the importance of personal repentance, reverence for God’s Word, and spiritual courage to lead others in truth, even when surrounded by compromise and corruption.
