Kings of the Bibleනියැදිය

King Josiah

King Josiah was the grandson of Manasseh, who was the son of Hezekiah. Manasseh – whose name means ‘forgetful’ – undid all the good work of his forefathers, forgetting the God who had saved His people. He rebuilt pagan shrines, erected altars to foreign gods inside the temple, sacrificed his sons in fire, and shed innocent blood. Under his rule, Judah became unrecognisable – indistinguishable from the corrupt nations surrounding it.

Then came Josiah, a young boy who became king aged just eight. He actively sought the Lord in his teens and, by the age of twenty, he launched a bold campaign of reform to undo the damage his grandfather had caused. During temple renovations, the Book of the Law was rediscovered. Confronted with how far the nation had fallen, Josiah publicly grieved and repented. He recommitted himself and the people to God and led one of the greatest Passover celebrations since the time of Samuel.

King Josiah’s legacy is one of courageous conviction, spiritual renewal and transformative leadership. He defied the moral decay of his time by wholeheartedly pursuing truth and justice. His story reminds us that true leadership means standing firm in what is right – even when it’s unpopular – and that renewal, whether personal or communal, begins with humility, courage and a willingness to act.

Written by LUCY WEIL