10 Interesting Facts About Josiah in the Bible

Josiah was one of the most faithful and courageous kings of Judah. His life teaches us about obedience, reform, and turning back to God. From a young age, Josiah stood out for his faithfulness in a time when many had turned to idols. Let’s look at 10 interesting facts about this remarkable king.

1. Josiah Became King at Just 8 Years Old

Josiah began to reign after the death of his father, Amon, who was assassinated. Even though he was only a child, Josiah began to seek the Lord.

2 Kings 22:1
"Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah..."

2. He Did What Was Right in God’s Eyes

Unlike many kings before him, Josiah followed the ways of King David. He didn’t turn aside to the left or the right.

2 Chronicles 34:2
"And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father; and he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left."

3. He Sought God Early in Life

At 16 years old, Josiah began to seek after God. Four years later, he started to destroy idols and clean up Judah.

2 Chronicles 34:3
"In the eighth year of his reign... he began to seek the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places..."

4. Josiah Destroyed Idols and Pagan Shrines

He took down altars to Baal, smashed sacred poles, and even burned the bones of false priests.

2 Kings 23:5
"He did away with the idolatrous priests... those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and the moon..."

5. He Repaired the Temple of the Lord

During the repairs, something very important was found.

2 Kings 22:5–6
"...they gave it to the carpenters and builders to buy timber and dressed stone to repair the house."

6. The Book of the Law Was Found in the Temple

While restoring the temple, the priest Hilkiah found the Book of the Law. It had been lost for years.

2 Kings 22:8
"Hilkiah the high priest said... ‘I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord.’"

7. Josiah Tore His Robes After Hearing the Law

When the book was read to him, Josiah realized how far the people had turned from God. He humbled himself in grief.

2 Kings 22:11
"When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes."

8. He Led a National Revival

Josiah gathered all the people and read the Law to them. He made a covenant with the Lord to follow His ways.

2 Kings 23:3
"The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant... to follow the Lord and keep His commands..."

9. Josiah Celebrated a Great Passover

He held one of the greatest Passovers since the days of the judges. It was a return to true worship.

2 Chronicles 35:18
"There had not been celebrated a Passover like it in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet..."

10. Josiah Died in Battle at Megiddo

Despite his faithfulness, Josiah went to fight Pharaoh Neco and was killed in battle.

2 Kings 23:29
"While Josiah was king, Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt went up to the Euphrates River... Josiah marched out to meet him, but Neco killed him at Megiddo..."

Summary Table: Josiah’s Legacy