Today we will talk about bible verses about King Josiah. Many Christians may not know much about this remarkable king, but his story is filled with inspiring lessons that resonate with our own faith journey. Josiah, who became king at just eight years old, is celebrated for his devotion to God and his commitment to reforming the nation of Judah. As we read through these verses, let’s meditate on the importance of seeking God, the impact of genuine repentance, and the courageous steps we can take in our own lives to follow His ways.
Bible Verses About King Josiah
Josiah’s Early Reign
In the beginning of King Josiah’s reign, we see a young leader stepping into an immense responsibility. As we reflect on these scripture passages, we are reminded of the importance of seeking God, especially when we are new to our roles or facing challenges. It encourages us to always look to God for guidance, maintaining a heart that is open to His will from an early age, just as Josiah did.
2 Kings 22:1-2
“Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.” – 2 Kings 22:1-2
2 Chronicles 34:1-2
“Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed the ways of his ancestor David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.” – 2 Chronicles 34:1-2
2 Kings 22:3
“In the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah sent the secretary Shaphan son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, to the temple of the Lord. He said:…” – 2 Kings 22:3
2 Chronicles 34:3
“In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David. In his twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles and idols.” – 2 Chronicles 34:3
2 Kings 23:3
“The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord—to follow the Lord and keep his commands, statutes and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, and to obey the words of the covenant written in this book.” – 2 Kings 23:3
The Discovery of the Book of the Law
The discovery of the Book of the Law was a pivotal moment in Josiah’s reign and in the life of Judah. When we read about Josiah reacting to the Word of God, we can sense his deep conviction and the urgency to follow God’s commandments. This encourages us to engage with the Scriptures actively, allowing His word to transform us as it did in Josiah’s time.
2 Kings 22:8
“Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, ‘I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord.’ He gave it to Shaphan, who read it.” – 2 Kings 22:8
2 Chronicles 34:14
“While they were bringing out the money that had been taken into the temple of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the Lord that had been given through Moses.” – 2 Chronicles 34:14
2 Kings 22:11
“When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes.” – 2 Kings 22:11
2 Chronicles 34:19
“When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes.” – 2 Chronicles 34:19
2 Chronicles 34:21
“Go and inquire of the Lord for me and for the remnant in Israel and those left in Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the Lord’s anger that is poured out on us because those who have gone before us have not kept the word of the Lord; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written in this book.” – 2 Chronicles 34:21
Josiah’s Reforms
King Josiah’s determination to reform Judah reflects his heart for restoring true worship and obedience to God. It’s a powerful reminder for us that sometimes we need to take active steps toward making changes that align our lives with what God desires for us. His reforms inspire us to evaluate our practices, ensuring they honor God and lead us closer to Him, as we seek to help others do the same.
2 Kings 22:12
“He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant.” – 2 Kings 22:12
2 Chronicles 34:33
“Josiah removed all the detestable idols from all the territory belonging to the Israelites and had all who were present in Israel serve the Lord their God.” – 2 Chronicles 34:33
2 Kings 23:4
“The king ordered Hilkiah the high priest, the priests next in rank and the doorkeepers to remove from the temple of the Lord all the articles made for Baal and Asherah and all the starry host.” – 2 Kings 23:4
2 Chronicles 34:3
“In the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles and idols.” – 2 Chronicles 34:3
2 Kings 23:25
“Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.” – 2 Kings 23:25
The Covenant with God
Josiah’s covenant with God highlights the importance of commitment and dedication in our relationship with Him. Just as Josiah made a public commitment to obey God’s commands, we too are called to make our faith known and to live in accordance with His teachings. These verses remind us that our relationships with God flourish when we engage with His word wholeheartedly and earnestly strive to live in a way that pleases Him.
2 Kings 23:3
“The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord—to follow the Lord and keep his commands, statutes and decrees with all his heart and all his soul.” – 2 Kings 23:3
2 Chronicles 34:31
“The king stood by his pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord—to follow the Lord and keep his commands, statutes and decrees with all his heart and all his soul…” – 2 Chronicles 34:31
2 Chronicles 34:1
“Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years.” – 2 Chronicles 34:1
2 Kings 23:2
“He went up to the temple of the Lord with the people of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the priests and the prophets—all the people from the least to the greatest.” – 2 Kings 23:2
2 Chronicles 34:29
“Then the king called together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.” – 2 Chronicles 34:29
The Impact of His Reign
Josiah’s reign had a significant impact on the spiritual landscape of Judah. His actions led many back to the ways of the Lord, emphasizing the power of a righteous leader to influence a nation. As we reflect on these verses, let’s remember that our choices and our commitment to God can inspire those around us. We have the potential to create positive change in our families, communities, and beyond, just as Josiah did.
2 Kings 22:19
“Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people…” – 2 Kings 22:19
2 Chronicles 34:31-32
“He renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord—to follow the Lord and keep his commands, statutes, and decrees with all his heart and all his soul.” – 2 Chronicles 34:31-32
2 Kings 23:25
“Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did…” – 2 Kings 23:25
2 Chronicles 34:29-30
“Then the king called together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. He went up to the temple of the Lord with the people of Judah…” – 2 Chronicles 34:29-30
2 Chronicles 34:9
“They went to Hilkiah the high priest and gave him the money that had been brought into the temple of God.” – 2 Chronicles 34:9
The Legacy of Josiah
Josiah’s legacy is an enduring reminder of how obedience and diligence in our faith can leave a lasting impact. His commitment to God’s ways continues to resonate through generations, and his story teaches us about the significance of living faithfully. Just as Josiah’s actions inspired change, we, too, are called to cultivate a legacy that reflects God’s teachings in our lives, influencing others positively through our faith.
2 Kings 23:31
“Josiah was thirty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned for thirty-one years in Jerusalem.” – 2 Kings 23:31
2 Chronicles 35:1
“Josiah celebrated the Passover to the Lord in Jerusalem.” – 2 Chronicles 35:1
2 Chronicles 35:16
“The musicians were also stationed to play at the gates, according to the order of David.” – 2 Chronicles 35:16
2 Kings 23:29
“While Josiah was king, Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt went up to the Euphrates River to fight at Carchemish, and Josiah marched out to meet him in battle.” – 2 Kings 23:29
2 Chronicles 35:23
“But Josiah refused to turn back; he dove into the battle.” – 2 Chronicles 35:23
Josiah’s Faithfulness to God
The unwavering faithfulness of Josiah to God demonstrates the kind of relationship we should all strive for. He wholeheartedly sought after God and worked tirelessly to lead His people in righteousness. As we explore these scriptures, let’s be encouraged to deepen our own faith, dedicating ourselves to knowing and honoring God in every aspect of our lives, just as Josiah exemplified in his reign.
2 Chronicles 34:1
“Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years.” – 2 Chronicles 34:1
2 Kings 23:3
“The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord…” – 2 Kings 23:3
2 Chronicles 34:33
“Josiah removed all the detestable idols from all the territory belonging to the Israelites.” – 2 Chronicles 34:33
2 Kings 22:19
“Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord…” – 2 Kings 22:19
2 Kings 23:25
“Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did…” – 2 Kings 23:25
Judgment and Restoration
The themes of judgment and restoration in the context of King Josiah’s reign are crucial. They showcase the reality that turning back to God can lead to immense blessings and restoration. As we study Josiah’s life, we learn that, while judgment may come for disobedience, God’s grace allows for repentance and healing. We can take heart in knowing that God consistently offers us another chance to come back to Him.
2 Kings 23:26-27
“Nevertheless, the Lord did not turn away from the heat of his fierce anger, which burned against Judah because of all that Manasseh had done to arouse his anger.” – 2 Kings 23:26-27
2 Chronicles 34:24
“This is what the Lord says: I am going to bring disaster on this place and its people—the towns of Judah…” – 2 Chronicles 34:24
2 Kings 22:10
“Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, ‘Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.’ And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king.” – 2 Kings 22:10
2 Chronicles 34:26
“Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, that this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard.” – 2 Chronicles 34:26
2 Kings 23:28
“As for the other events of Josiah’s reign, and all he did, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah?” – 2 Kings 23:28
Lessons from Josiah’s Life
Finally, the lessons we learn from Josiah’s life serve as a guide for our own paths of faith. Josiah demonstrates how important it is to be responsive to God, to initiate positive change, and to live out our covenants with Him fully. His story is a testament that every life can impact others, encouraging us to act courageously and live purposefully in our pursuit of God’s ways.
2 Chronicles 34:20
“He took his place on the throne of the Lord and was lead before the people.” – 2 Chronicles 34:20
2 Kings 22:14
“Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to speak to the prophetess Huldah, who was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas.” – 2 Kings 22:14
2 Chronicles 34:31
“He renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord—to follow the Lord and keep his commands…” – 2 Chronicles 34:31
2 Kings 23:23
“But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, this Passover was celebrated to the Lord in Jerusalem.” – 2 Kings 23:23
2 Chronicles 34:29
“Then the king called together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.” – 2 Chronicles 34:29
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the incredible life and reign of King Josiah, we are reminded of the importance of seeking God and living with integrity and faithfulness. His journey encourages us to engage deeply with God’s Word and to be proactive in making choices that honor Him. Through Josiah’s example, we learn that no matter our age or circumstances, we can have a significant impact by staying true to our commitments and inspiring others to follow the Lord.
Josiah’s story illustrates that our lives can be a testament to God’s grace, urging those around us to deepen their faith and realign their lives with His will. Just as Josiah faced challenges and made tough choices, we, too, can rise to the occasion and embrace the calling God has set before us.
Let us carry the lessons learned from his life, striving to build a future rooted in faith, hope, and love, and remember that with God’s guidance, we can bring about meaningful change in our world.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
