Josiah became king of Judah at eight years old and reigned 31 years. Unlike most kings, he walked faithfully with the Lord. At 26, while repairing the Temple, the Book of the Law was discovered. When it was read to him, Josiah tore his clothes in grief, realizing how far Judah had strayed. He sent for the prophetess Huldah, who declared God’s judgment was coming, but that Josiah would be spared from seeing it because of his humility.

Josiah gathered all the people, read the Law aloud, and renewed the covenant with God. He then destroyed idols and pagan altars throughout Judah and even in Israel, fulfilling an old prophecy against Jeroboam’s altar at Bethel. Finally, he held the greatest Passover in Judah’s history.

Though Josiah fully served the Lord with all his heart, God had already decreed Judah’s exile. Josiah died at 39 when he went into battle against Egypt, despite warnings not to interfere. All Judah mourned him, and the prophet Jeremiah composed a lament in his honour.