📖 Biblical Definition
Sixteenth king of Judah, ascended the throne at age eight after the assassination of his wicked father Amon. At age sixteen he began to seek the God of his father David; at age twenty he began to purge Judah of high places, asherim, and graven images. At age twenty-six the Book of the Law was discovered during temple repairs; Josiah tore his clothes, sent for the prophetess Huldah, and led the most thorough reform in Judah's history. He celebrated a Passover greater than any from the days of the judges. He was killed in battle at Megiddo against Pharaoh Necho (609 BC).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
JOSIAH, n.
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A scriptural proper name; the sixteenth king of Judah and great reformer.
📖 Key Scripture
2 Chronicles 34:3 — "In the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father."
2 Kings 22:11 — "When the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes."
2 Kings 23:25 — "Like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart."
2 Chronicles 35:23 — "And the archers shot at king Josiah; and the king said to his servants, Have me away; for I am sore wounded."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity edits Josiah's response; he tore his clothes when the Book was read.
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2 Kings 22:11 records the most dramatic response to Scripture in the Old Testament. The newly-discovered Book of the Law was read aloud to King Josiah; he tore his clothes. The Lord saw it: because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord... I also have heard thee. Tender-hearted submission to Scripture is one of the criteria the Lord weighs in His servants.
Modern Christianity often hears Scripture without tearing anything. We listen, take notes, post the verse, move on. Josiah's response is the model. When the Word convicts, do not just acknowledge; act. Lead the reform in your own house. Tender-heart-and-torn-clothes is the right combination of grief and resolve.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew/Greek roots below.
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H2977 — Yoshiyahu — Josiah; the Lord supports
Usage
"Modern Christianity hears Scripture without tearing anything."
"Tender-hearted submission to Scripture is one of the criteria the Lord weighs."
"When the Word convicts, do not just acknowledge; act."