Josiah was a fervent follower of the Lord, but he didn’t listen to wise counsel and got killed in battle.
Sometimes even the most faithful are foolish.
I’m grateful for people in my life who―like Josiah to the people of Judah―set a godly example and helped steer me in the right direction.
In 23:1-3, Josiah leaves nothing unclear.
National elders come together and listen to the Law.
This becomes their charge.
Funny that the first 17 years of Josiah’s reign aren’t described in any detail.
It’s a bit like how we know nearly nothing about Jesus’ childhood.
Anyway, once Josiah learns of the Lord’s law, he kicks right into gear.
Josiah’s father, Amon, was wicked. He was assasinated at age 24.
But Josiah, only 8 years old, had a faithful mother. The young kings’ mothers are all given prominent mention.
Without Jedidah, Josiah wouldn’t have had the influence necessary to grow into a faithful king.
I didn’t realize that Josiah’s name and passion for following the Lord were predicted in advance.
Josiah’s name appears in 56 verses.
He was one of the greatest kings in Judah’s history.
