Yoshiyahu

The son of Amon and grandson of Manasseh, who became king of Yehudah at age 8 (2 Kings 22:1). He began seeking God at 16 and purging Yehudah's idolatry at 20 (2 Chronicles 34:3). In his 26th year the high priest Hilkiyahu discovered the Book of the Law during Temple repairs; when it was read to Yoshiyahu he tore his clothes and initiated the most sweeping religious reform since David — demolishing the high places, Asherah poles, and altars of Baal throughout Yehudah and even into the former Northern Kingdom territories. He reinstated Pesach in a manner not seen since the days of the judges (2 Kings 23:22). The text declares: 'Before him there was no king like him who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might' (2 Kings 23:25). He died fighting Pharaoh Necho II at the Battle of Megiddo and was mourned by all Yehudah, with Yirmeyahu composing laments in his honor.

Historical dating — generally accepted

Scripture