He Led the People Back to Jehovah

JOSIAH was only six years old when his grandfather King Manasseh died. The boy likely knew that his grandfather had changed his ways and turned to serving Jehovah. Those actions may have left a lasting impression on Josiah. But the boy’s father, Amon, became king next. A wicked man, Amon led his people back into evil and idolatry. He died after ruling for only two years. Eight-year-old Josiah became the new king.

Josiah likely had some good influences during his life, such as the prophets Zephaniah and Jeremiah, the prophetess Huldah, and High Priest Hilkiah. The Bible says of Josiah: “While he was still a boy [about 16 years old], he started to search for the God of David his forefather.” At about the age of 20, he was leading major reforms in Judah. Jehovah used this brave and energetic young king to turn the tide against idolatry and wickedness.

Josiah even ventured into the land once occupied by the northern ten-tribe kingdom of Israel. Most of its Israelite inhabitants had long since been taken into exile, and it was now largely inhabited by foreigners, yet Josiah destroyed sites of idol worship there.

Some years later, Josiah received an unexpected blessing. While repairs were underway at Jehovah’s sacred temple, High Priest Hilkiah made a discovery: a scroll containing the Law that Jehovah gave to Moses. It was centuries old, possibly written in Moses’ own hand! The scroll was brought to Josiah, and he listened attentively as it was read aloud to him. He found the words heartbreaking! He now saw more clearly than ever just how far the people had strayed from God’s Law. Josiah realized that Jehovah’s rage against His people was great indeed. Would Josiah have the courage to act on what he heard?

Urgently, Josiah sent a five-man delegation to inquire of Jehovah. These men went to the prophetess Huldah, who revealed that Jehovah was indeed offended by the long-standing rebellion of the people of Judah. Disaster was coming upon Judah and Jerusalem. However, Jehovah had taken note of Josiah’s good heart and his courageous course of reform, so those judgments would not come during the king’s lifetime.

Still, Josiah did all he could to lead his subjects back to Jehovah. He and his people made a public covenant to follow all of God’s Law. Then he launched an especially intensive campaign against idolatry. To promote pure worship, the king arranged for a great Passover celebration. He and his princes contributed vast numbers of animals to be used as sacrifices to Jehovah, and singers praised Him with sacred songs. It was among the greatest Passovers ever held by God’s people.

Josiah kept showing great courage and deep faith as he waged righteous warfare against false worship. At one site, he fulfilled a 300-year-old prophecy by burning bones on a pagan altar and destroying it as a site for false worship. (1 Ki. 13:2) In Judah, Josiah even demolished sites of false worship that dated back many generations to the apostasy of King Solomon. However, Josiah made at least one very unwise decision. He went to battle against an Egyptian Pharaoh named Necho. Through Necho, Jehovah warned Josiah not to join the battle. But it seems that Josiah never sought the advice of Jehovah’s prophets to determine whether Necho was really speaking for God. Instead, he charged ahead. To wage war against a mighty army might have seemed brave, but in fact, it was brash and unwise. It cost him his life at only 39 years of age.

Did Jehovah forget all the good that Josiah had done? Not at all! The prophet Jeremiah chanted a dirge over the fallen king. It seems that for generations, God’s people kept singing that sad song. Maybe someday Josiah will read the inspired record about his reign and about the dirges that were sung to praise him. Clearly, Jehovah loved Josiah and never forgot his faith and courage.

Read the Bible account:

• 2 Kings 22:1–23:30

• 2 Chronicles 33:21–35:27

For discussion:

In what ways did Josiah show courage?

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1. 4. Huldah prophesied that Josiah would “be laid in [his] grave in peace.” Since Josiah died in battle, how was that prophecy fulfilled? (2 Ki. 22:20; w00 9/15 30 ¶2-3)

   Your answer

Reflect on the Lessons

• Some Christians have had to endure a terrible childhood. What lessons might they learn from Josiah, whose father was an apostate?

  Your answer

• Josiah made an effort to understand the Scriptures. (2 Chron. 34:21) How can we imitate him? B

  Your answer

  

• In what other ways might you imitate the courage of Josiah?

  Your answer

Meditate on the Bigger Picture

• What does this account teach me about Jehovah?

  Your answer

• How does the account tie in with Jehovah’s purposes?

  Your answer

• What would I like to ask Josiah in the resurrection?

  Your answer

Learn More

Examine what you can learn from the decisions of Josiah and two other youths who became kings of Judah.

“Young Ones​—How Will Your Life Turn Out?” (w23.09 8-13)

Did Josiah cleanse the land in his own strength? See the answer in this dramatization.

The Story of Josiah: Love Jehovah; Hate What Is Bad​—Part II—​Excerpt (3:43)