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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Kings 22:1–10. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Concerning Josiah we are here told,
I.That he was very young when he began to reign (Kg2 22:1), only eight years old.
Solomon says, Woe unto thee, O land! when thy king is a child; but happy art thou, O land! when thy king is such a child. Our English Israel had once a king that was such a child, Edward VI. Josiah, being young, had not received any bad impressions from the example of his father and grandfather, but soon saw their errors, and God gave his grace to take warning by them. See Eze 18:14, etc.
II.That he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, Kg2 22:2.
See the sovereignty of divine grace - the father passed by and left to perish in his sin, the son a chosen vessel. See the triumphs of that grace - Josiah born of a wicked father, no good education nor good example given him, but many about him who no doubt advised him to tread in his father's steps and few that gave him any good counsel, and yet the grace of God made him an eminent saint, cut him off from the wild olive and grafted him into the good olive, Rom 11:24. Nothing is too hard for that grace to do. He walked in a good way, and turned not aside (as some of his predecessors had done who began well) to the right hand nor to the left. There are errors on both hands, but God kept him in the right way; he fell neither into superstition nor profaneness.
III.That he took care for the repair of the temple.
This he did in the eighteenth year of his reign, Kg2 22:3. Compare Ch2 34:8. He began much sooner to seek the Lord (as appears, Ch2 34:3), but it is to be feared the work of reformation went slowly on and met with much opposition, so that he could not effect what he desired and designed, till his power was thoroughly confirmed. The consideration of the time we unavoidably lost in our minority should quicken us, when we have come to years, to act with so much the more vigour in the service of God. Having begun late we have need work hard. He sent Shaphan, the secretary of state, to Hilkiah the high priest, to take an account of the money that was collected for this use by the door-keepers (Kg2 22:4); for, it seems, they took much the same way of raising the money that Joash took, Kg2 12:9. When people gave by a little at a time the burden was insensible, and, the contribution being voluntary, it was not complained of. This money, so collected, he ordered him to lay out for the repair of the temple, Kg2 22:5, Kg2 22:6. And now, it seems, the workmen (as in the days of Joash) acquitted themselves so well that there was no reckoning made with them (Kg2 22:7), which is certainly mentioned to the praise of the workmen, that they gained such a reputation for honesty, but whether to the praise of those that employed them I know not; a man should count money (we say) after his own father; it would not have been amiss to have reckoned with the workmen, that others also might be satisfied of their honesty.
IV.That, in repairing the temple, the book of the law was happily found and brought to the king, Kg2 22:8, Kg2 22:10.
Some think this book was the autograph, or original manuscript, of the five books of Moses, under his own hand; others think it was only an ancient and authentic copy. Most likely it was that which, by the command of Moses, was laid up in the most holy place, Deu 31:24, etc.
1.It seems, this book of the law was lost or missing. Perhaps it was carelessly mislaid and neglected, thrown by into a corner (as some throw their Bibles), by those that knew not the value of it, and forgotten there; or it was maliciously concealed by some of the idolatrous kings, or their agents, who were restrained by the providence of God or their own consciences from burning and destroying it, but buried it, in hopes it would never see the light again; or, as some think, it was carefully laid up by some of its friends, lest it should fall into the hands of its enemies. Whoever were the instruments of its preservation, we ought to acknowledge the hand of God in it. If this was the only authentic copy of the Pentateuch then in being, which had (as I may say) so narrow a turn for its life and was so near perishing, I wonder the hearts of all good people did not tremble for that sacred treasure, as Eli's for the ark, and I am sure we now have reason to thank God, upon our knees, for that happy providence by which Hilkiah found this book at this time, found it when he sought it not, Isa 65:1. If the holy scriptures had not been of God, they would not have been in being at this day; God's care of the Bible is a plain indication of his interest in it.
2.Whether this was the only authentic copy in being or no, it seems the things contained in it were new both to the king himself and to the high priest; for the king, upon the reading of it, rent his clothes. We have reason to think that neither the command for the king's writing a copy of the law, nor that for the public reading of the law every seventh year (Deu 17:18; Deu 31:10, Deu 31:11), had been observed for a long time; and when the instituted means of keeping up religion are neglected religion itself will soon go to decay. Yet, on the other hand, if the book of the law was lost, it seems difficult to determine what rule Josiah went by in doing that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and how the priests and people kept up the rites of their religion. I am apt to think that the people generally took up with abstracts of the law, like our abridgements of the statutes, which the priests, to save themselves the trouble of writing and the people of reading the book at large, had furnished them with - a sort of ritual, directing them in the observances of their religion, but leaving out what they thought fit, and particularly the promises and threatenings (Lev. 26 and Deu. 28, etc.), for I observe that these were the portions of the law which Josiah was so much affected with (Kg2 22:13), for these were new to him. No summaries, extracts, or collections, out of the Bible (though they may have their use) can be effectual to convey and preserve the knowledge of God and his will like the Bible itself. It was no marvel that the people were so corrupt when the book of the law was such a scarce thing among them; where that vision is not the people perish. Those that endeavoured to debauch them no doubt used all the arts they could to get that book out of their hands. The church of Rome could not keep up the use of images but by forbidding the use of the scripture.
3.It was a great instance of God's favour, and a token for good to Josiah and his people, that the book of the law was thus seasonably brought to light, to direct and quicken that blessed reformation which Josiah had begun. It is a sign that God has mercy in store for a people when he magnifies his law among them and makes that honourable, and furnishes them with means for the increase of scripture-knowledge. The translating of the scriptures into vulgar tongues was the glory, strength, and joy of the Reformation from Popery. It is observable that they were about a good work, repairing the temple, when they found the book of the law. Those that do their duty according to their knowledge shall have their knowledge increased. To him that hath shall be given. The book of the law was an abundant recompence for all their care and cost about the repair of the temple.
4.Hilkiah the priest was exceedingly well pleased with the discovery. "O," says he to Shaphan, "rejoice with me, for I have found the book of the law, heurēka, heurēka, - I have found, I have found, that jewel of inestimable value. Here, carry it to the king; it is the richest jewel of his crown. Read it before him. He walks in the way of David his father, and, if he be like him, he will love the book of the law and bid that welcome; that will be his delight and his counsellor."
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
“Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign; and he did what was right in the sight of the Lord” for the thirty-one years in which he reigned. In the eighteenth year from the beginning of his rule, he began to purify Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. In fact, he removed the foreign religions introduced by Manasseh and overturned the sanctuaries and altars. In the same eighteenth year he ordered an expiation of the temple and commanded the priests to make repairs. He brought in workers, gathered stones, materials and other things useful to building and supplied the money for the expected expenses, and in this case he religiously emulated the pious zeal of his great-grandfather Jehoash. And at that time the refurbishment of the temple was not less necessary than it had been before, because for the fifty years in which Manasseh had reigned, it had been neglected or given to profane uses.
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Summary
Second Kings 22:1 introduces King Josiah, one of Judah's most pivotal and righteous monarchs, establishing the foundational facts of his reign: his remarkably young age of eight years old at ascension, his thirty-one-year tenure in Jerusalem, and the identity of his mother, Jedidah, from Boscath. This concise yet crucial introduction immediately signals a dramatic turning point in Judah's history, following generations of profound apostasy, and foreshadows the extensive spiritual revival and nationwide cleansing that would define his divinely appointed rule.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as a critical narrative transition, immediately following the deeply wicked reigns of Manasseh and Amon in 2 Kings 21. Manasseh, Josiah's grandfather, had plunged Judah into unprecedented depths of idolatry, including child sacrifice and astral worship, provoking God's severe judgment upon the nation, as detailed in 2 Kings 21:9-16. Amon, Josiah's father, continued this pattern of apostasy during his brief rule, as recounted in 2 Kings 21:19-22. The abrupt introduction of Josiah, a king who "did that which was right in the sight of the LORD" (2 Kings 22:2), marks a dramatic and divinely orchestrated shift in the narrative. This opening verse, therefore, not only provides essential biographical details but also immediately signals a stark contrast to the preceding wickedness, preparing the reader for the extensive and unprecedented reforms detailed in the subsequent chapters of 2 Kings 22-23.
Historical & Cultural Context
Josiah's reign commenced around 640 BC, a period of significant geopolitical flux in the ancient Near East. The once-dominant Assyrian Empire, which had long exerted control and influence over Judah, was in a state of decline, creating a power vacuum that would eventually be filled by the rising Babylonian Empire. This strategic window of opportunity provided Judah with a unique chance to assert its independence and, more critically, to undertake profound internal religious reforms without immediate external interference. Culturally, Judah was deeply entrenched in pagan practices, a pervasive legacy of Manasseh's long and idolatrous reign. Temples dedicated to foreign gods, Asherah poles, and altars for astral worship were prevalent even within Jerusalem itself, as highlighted in 2 Kings 21:3-7. The ascension of an eight-year-old king meant that a regency council, likely comprised of influential court officials and possibly his mother, would have governed during his early years. However, the biblical account emphasizes Josiah's personal commitment to the Lord, indicating that despite his lineage and the prevailing idolatry, he chose a different, righteous path, fulfilling the divine promise to the house of David that a righteous king would eventually emerge.
Key Themes
This introductory verse, while concise, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it powerfully highlights Divine Providence and Hope: even amidst deep national apostasy and the apparent failure of the Davidic line to maintain faithfulness, God sovereignly raises a righteous leader. This demonstrates His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His enduring hope for His people, even in their darkest hours. Secondly, it underscores The Potential of Youth: Josiah's remarkably young age at accession challenges conventional notions of leadership, illustrating that God can use anyone, regardless of age or perceived inexperience, to accomplish His redemptive purposes. His later actions prove that personal conviction and a fervent commitment to God transcend chronological limitations. Finally, the verse serves as a potent Foreshadowing of Reform and Restoration: the mention of his substantial reign (thirty-one years) implicitly promises a significant period of rule, which the subsequent chapters reveal as a time of unprecedented spiritual cleansing, a rediscovery of the Law, and a national return to covenant faithfulness. This period of reform is further elaborated in the parallel account found in 2 Chronicles 34:1-2.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The name means "Yahweh supports" or "Yahweh heals." This etymology is profoundly significant, as Josiah's reign would indeed be characterized by Yahweh's active support for a king who diligently sought to heal the nation from its deep spiritual maladies and idolatry. His name itself subtly foreshadows his divinely appointed role as an agent of restoration, standing in stark contrast to his immediate predecessors whose reigns were marked by unrighteousness.
This primitive root signifies "to reign" or, inceptively, "to ascend the throne." The repeated use of this verb in the verse ("began to reign," "he reigned") emphasizes the formal establishment and duration of Josiah's kingship. It highlights the transfer of legitimate authority and sets the stage for the exercise of royal power that would lead to widespread reform and a national return to covenant obedience.
Meaning "beloved" or "darling," the mention of Josiah's mother is consistent with the Deuteronomistic historian's practice of naming the mother of Judean kings. While her direct influence on Josiah's piety is not explicitly stated here, her name, "beloved," might subtly hint at a background that fostered a more favorable environment for a righteous upbringing, or it simply provides essential familial context, grounding the king's identity within the lineage of Judah.
Verse Breakdown
"Josiah [was] eight years old when he began to reign"
This opening clause immediately establishes the identity of the new king and his remarkably young age at the time of his ascension to the throne. The emphasis on "eight years old" is crucial, as it sets the stage for understanding the profound nature of his later reforms, which could not have been solely due to his own mature initiative in his earliest years but rather pointed to a divine hand or influential regents who guided him in his formative period.
"and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem."
This segment provides the duration and location of Josiah's rule. A reign of thirty-one years is substantial, indicating a long and stable period during which significant and lasting changes could be enacted. The specification "in Jerusalem" anchors his rule to the divinely chosen capital, the center of Israelite worship, and the seat of the Davidic dynasty, underscoring the profound importance of his reforms for the spiritual and political heart of the kingdom.
"And his mother's name [was] Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath."
This final clause identifies Josiah's mother and her lineage. The inclusion of the queen mother's name is a standard feature in the account of Judean kings in Kings, often providing a subtle layer of context and authenticity. While her direct influence on Josiah's righteousness is not explicitly stated here, her name, Jedidah ("beloved"), and her origin from Boscath (a town in the lowlands of Judah, mentioned in Joshua 15:39) ground Josiah within the geography and social fabric of Judah, further authenticating his Davidic lineage and historical reality.
Literary Devices
The opening verse of 2 Kings 22 employs several subtle but effective literary devices. Concise Introduction is paramount, as the verse efficiently delivers critical biographical data—name, age, reign length, location, and maternal lineage—setting the immediate factual foundation for the extensive narrative that follows. This brevity allows the subsequent chapters to unfold the dramatic events of Josiah's reign without unnecessary preliminary details. There is also an implicit Contrast at play; by immediately introducing a king who would prove to be righteous, the text subtly highlights the profound difference between Josiah and his wicked predecessors, Manasseh and Amon. This contrast prepares the reader for a dramatic shift in Judah's spiritual trajectory. Finally, the mention of Josiah's young age and the significant length of his reign acts as Foreshadowing, hinting at the extraordinary and impactful events that are about to unfold, particularly the widespread religious reforms and the rediscovery of the Law that would define his long and transformative rule.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The introduction of Josiah at such a young age, coupled with the length of his reign, immediately signals God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant with David, even amidst the profound apostasy and spiritual decay of Judah. Despite the deep spiritual decline under Manasseh and Amon, God sovereignly raises a righteous king from the Davidic line, demonstrating His providential hand in history and His commitment to His promises. This verse underscores the powerful theme that God can use the most unexpected instruments—even an eight-year-old boy—to bring about His purposes of restoration and renewal. It speaks to the divine capacity to reverse generations of decline and to ignite a spiritual awakening through committed leadership, emphasizing that divine grace often appears precisely when human hope seems lost and the situation appears irredeemable.
Reflection and Application
Josiah's introduction at eight years old, embarking on a thirty-one-year reign of righteousness, offers profound lessons for believers today. It challenges us to reconsider our assumptions about who God can use and at what stage of life. If God could raise a child king to lead a nation in spiritual revival, then no one is too young, too inexperienced, or too limited by circumstances to be an instrument of God's transformative power. This verse calls us to embrace our God-given potential, regardless of age or perceived limitations, and to recognize that true influence stems not from human wisdom or strength, but from a heart wholly committed to the Lord and His purposes. It also powerfully reminds us that even when surrounded by spiritual decline or pervasive societal decay, a single individual, empowered by God's Spirit, can initiate profound change and lead others back to the truth and life-giving power of God's Word.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Josiah's mother named in this verse?
The naming of the queen mother (Gevirah) is a consistent and significant feature in the biblical accounts of the kings of Judah. While not always explicitly stated, the queen mother often held a powerful and influential position in the royal court, particularly during the early years of a young king's reign, potentially serving as a regent or key advisor. For righteous kings like Josiah, her name might subtly indicate a positive early influence or simply be part of the standard genealogical record that authenticates the king's lineage and connection to the Davidic dynasty. This practice distinguishes the Judean kings from the Israelite kings, whose mothers are rarely named, reflecting a different dynastic and social structure unique to the southern kingdom.
Was Josiah truly righteous at eight years old, or did his righteousness develop later?
While the verse states he "began to reign" at eight, it is highly improbable that an eight-year-old could independently initiate or fully comprehend the profound religious reforms that would later characterize his reign. It is more likely that a regency council, perhaps influenced by righteous advisors or his mother, governed during his earliest years. The parallel account in 2 Chronicles 34:3 indicates that "in the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of David his father, and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem." This suggests that his personal commitment and active pursuit of God began around age sixteen (his eighth regnal year) and his active reforms around age twenty (his twelfth regnal year). The initial verse simply marks the formal start of his reign, with his personal righteousness and active leadership developing as he matured into adulthood.
What is the significance of Boscath, the hometown of Josiah's mother?
Boscath was a town located in the Shephelah, the lowlands of Judah, mentioned in Joshua 15:39 as one of the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah. Its mention here serves primarily as a geographical marker, further grounding Josiah's lineage within the historical and territorial boundaries of Judah. While no specific theological significance is attached to Boscath itself in this context, its inclusion contributes to the historical and geographical precision characteristic of the Deuteronomistic historian, authenticating the details of the king's background and firmly placing him within the covenant community.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Josiah, introduced in this verse as a remarkably young and ultimately righteous king, serves as a compelling type of Christ, foreshadowing the greater King to come. Just as Josiah ascended to a throne steeped in idolatry and brought about a profound spiritual reformation in Judah by leading his people back to God's Law, so too does Jesus, the ultimate King, enter a world enslaved by sin and spiritual darkness to inaugurate a new covenant and bring true restoration. Josiah's reign, marked by the rediscovery and adherence to the Law, perfectly foreshadows Christ's perfect fulfillment of the Law, not by abolishing it but by completing its righteous demands and revealing its true spiritual intent (Matthew 5:17). Jesus, though born in humble circumstances, was declared King from His birth (Matthew 2:2) and began His public ministry at a young age, demonstrating a wisdom and authority far beyond His years (Luke 2:46-47). Like Josiah, who led his people back to God's written Word, Jesus is the living Word, through whom all truth is revealed and who illuminates the path to salvation (John 1:1-14). His reign is not for thirty-one years but is eternal, bringing about an everlasting kingdom of righteousness, peace, and justice (Isaiah 9:6-7). Josiah's story, beginning with this foundational verse, powerfully points forward to the greater King who would not merely reform a nation but redeem all humanity, establishing a spiritual kingdom that endures forever and delivers us from the domain of darkness into His marvelous light (Colossians 1:13-14).