King Josiah: God’s Chosen Leader 

In my Bible studies this morning, I came across the story of King Josiah, an incredible example of God’s work in the life of a young leader chosen by God to combat the widespread idolatry in the land. At the tender age of 8 years old, Josiah was chosen by God to fulfill a significant purpose. Despite his age, Josiah demonstrated extraordinary courage, righteousness, and zeal for the Lord. The chapter I read highlighted how God’s anger was stirred by the prevalent idolatry practices occurring in the nation of Judah, leading God’s anger to be aroused. However, in His sovereignty, God raised up Josiah as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change.  
 
Josiah’s reign began at a critical juncture in Judah’s history, and his appointment by God was a testament to God’s supernatural intervention and the fulfillment of prophecy. From the moment Josiah assumed the throne, he embarked on a mission to restore true worship and eradicate idolatry. His actions were driven by a deep reverence for God and a commitment to follow His commands. Despite his youth, Josiah displayed wisdom beyond his years and a resolute determination to lead the people back to the ways of the Lord.  
 
King Josiah was a significant figure in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. He reigned over the Kingdom of Judah from around 640 to 609 BCE. Josiah ascended to the throne after his father, King Amon, was assassinated. Despite his young age, Josiah became known as a righteous and reform-minded king. 
 
According to 2 Kings 22:1-2, Josiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed the ways of his father David. In the eighteenth year of his reign, a significant event occurred. Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord (2 Kings 22:8). This discovery had a profound impact on Josiah and the religious life of Judah. 
 
Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah tore his clothes in remorse (2 Kings 22:11) and sought the counsel of the prophetess Huldah (2 Kings 22:14-20). Huldah confirmed that disaster would come upon Judah due to their past idolatry but assured Josiah that he would be spared from witnessing the calamity (2 Kings 22:16-20). 
 
In response to the discovery of the Law and Huldah’s prophecy, Josiah gathered all the people of Judah (2 Kings 23:1) and read the Book of the Law to them. Standing by the pillar in the temple, Josiah renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord, pledging to follow the Lord and keep His commands with all his heart and soul (2 Kings 23:2-3). 
 
Josiah then took decisive action to eradicate idolatry from the land. He removed idols, pagan altars, and all detestable things seen in Judah and Jerusalem (2 Kings 23:24). Josiah’s reforms included getting rid of mediums, spiritists, and household gods (2 Kings 23:24). He was determined to fulfill the requirements of the Law written in the book discovered by Hilkiah (2 Kings 23:24-25). 
 
Josiah’s reign was marked by prosperity and religious revival. According to 2 Kings 23:25, neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord with all his heart, soul, and strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses. 
 
However, Josiah’s reign was cut short when Pharaoh Neco II of Egypt marched through Judah on his way to assist the Assyrians against the Babylonians. Despite warnings from Neco, Josiah engaged the Egyptian army in battle and was mortally wounded (2 Kings 23:29-30). He died at the age of 39, and his death was mourned by the people of Judah. 
 
Josiah’s legacy as a reformer and devout king endured long after his death. His commitment to the worship of Yahweh and the restoration of religious practices, including the reinstatement of Passover, left an indelible mark on Judah. Throughout the reigns of both the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah, there had never been a Passover celebration as the one witnessed during the days of the judges in Israel. It surpassed all previous commemorations of this sacred event. 
Like King Josiah, may we all aspire to do what is pleasing and righteous in the sight of our holy and just God. Let us diligently seek to follow His ways and live in obedience to His commands. May the example of King Josiah inspire us to pursue righteousness, honor God with our lives, and bring about positive change in our spheres of influence.