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Portrait of JosiahPortrait · Josiah

Kings & Prophets · Old Testament

Josiah

Boy King Who Restored the Covenant

Name meaning
The LORD supports or heals
Name origin
Hebrew: יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ (Yoshiyahu), meaning "the LORD supports"

Quick facts

Occupation
  • King of Judah
Birthplace
Jerusalem
Modern-day location
Jerusalem.
Family
  • Son of King Amon
  • Grandson of Manasseh
  • Father of Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim and Zedekiah
First mention
1 Kings 13:2 (prophecy); 2 Kings 21:24-22:1
Last mention
2 Kings 23:28-30; 2 Chronicles 35:20-27
Key artifacts
  • Scroll of the Law found in Temple
  • Covenant renewal altar
  • Passover celebration

Key verses

  • “Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake.”

    2 Kings 22:19

  • “And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD.”

    2 Kings 23:3

  • “And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart.”

    2 Kings 23:25

Biography

Early Life

Josiah became king of Judah at age eight after his father's assassination. He grew up amid idolatry but began to seek the God of David at sixteen.

Defining Biblical Moments

At age 26, during Temple repairs, the Book of the Law was found. Josiah tore his robes, consulted the prophetess Huldah, renewed the covenant, removed idols, and celebrated a great Passover. He died in battle against Pharaoh Necho at Megiddo.

Strengths

Josiah is portrayed as tender-hearted toward God's word, courageous in reform, and wholehearted in turning to the LORD.

Weaknesses & Lessons

His final military decision to confront Necho without clear divine direction led to his untimely death, illustrating that zeal needs wisdom and counsel.

Life Lessons for Today

Youth is no barrier to faithful leadership; rediscovering and obeying Scripture can bring renewal to communities.

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Josiah appears in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #49 in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament

Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament front cover

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