2 Kings 22:1

KJV

¶ Josiah [was] eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.

KJV (with Strong's)

Josiah {H2977} was eight {H8083} years {H8141} old {H1121} when he began to reign {H4427}, and he reigned {H4427} thirty {H7970} and one {H259} years {H8141} in Jerusalem {H3389}. And his mother's {H517} name {H8034} was Jedidah {H3040}, the daughter {H1323} of Adaiah {H5718} of Boscath {H1218}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yoshiyahu was eight years old when he began his reign, and he ruled for thirty-one years in Yerushalayim. His mother's name was Y'didah the daughter of 'Adayah from Botzkat.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign; and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath.

Commentary

### 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](/2_kings/21 "2 Kings 21 - Manasseh and Amon's Wicked Reigns"). 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](/2_kings/21-9-16 "2 Kings 21:9-16 - Manasseh's Abominations and God's Judgment"). Amon, Josiah's father, continued this pattern of apostasy during his brief rule, as recounted in [2 Kings 21:19-22](/2_kings/21-19-22 "2 Kings 21:19-22 - Amon's Short, Wicked Reign"). The abrupt introduction of Josiah, a king who "did that which was right in the sight of the LORD" ([2 Kings 22:2](/2_kings/22-2 "2 Kings 22:2 - Josiah's Righteous Conduct")), 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](/2_kings/22-23 "2 Kings 22-23 - Josiah's Reforms and the Discovery of the Law").

* **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](/2_kings/21-3-7 "2 Kings 21:3-7 - Manasseh's Idolatry in Jerusalem"). 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](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant of an Enduring Dynasty") 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](/2_chronicles/34-1-2 "2 Chronicles 34:1-2 - Josiah's Righteous Reign and Early Reforms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Josiah (Hebrew, _Yôʼshîyâh'_):** From H2977. 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.
* **reign (Hebrew, _mâlak'_):** From H4427. 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.
* **Jedidah (Hebrew, _Yᵉdîydâh'_):** From H3040. 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](/joshua/15-39 "Joshua 15:39 - Cities of Judah's Allotment")) 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.

* [2 Kings 23:25](/2_kings/23-25 "2 Kings 23:25 - Josiah's Unparalleled Righteousness and Devotion")
* [Jeremiah 1:7](/jeremiah/1-7 "Jeremiah 1:7 - God Calls Jeremiah While Young")
* [Psalm 8:2](/psalms/8-2 "Psalm 8:2 - God Ordains Praise from Infants")

### 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
* **How does Josiah's young age at accession challenge our preconceived notions about leadership and influence within our communities or the church today?**
* **In what specific ways might God be calling you, regardless of your age or experience, to initiate spiritual renewal or stand for righteousness in your current sphere of influence?**
* **Considering the prevailing idolatry and spiritual darkness Josiah inherited, what does his story teach us about the possibility of turning from decline and pursuing God's will in challenging and seemingly overwhelming environments?**

### FAQ
**Why is Josiah's mother named in this verse?**

Answer: 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?**

Answer: 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](/2_chronicles/34-3 "2 Chronicles 34:3 - Josiah Seeks God and Purges Judah") 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?**

Answer: Boscath was a town located in the Shephelah, the lowlands of Judah, mentioned in [Joshua 15:39](/joshua/15-39 "Joshua 15:39 - Cities of Judah's Allotment") 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](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Jesus, though born in humble circumstances, was declared King from His birth ([Matthew 2:2](/matthew/2-2 "Matthew 2:2 - The King of the Jews is Born")) and began His public ministry at a young age, demonstrating a wisdom and authority far beyond His years ([Luke 2:46-47](/luke/2-46-47 "Luke 2:46-47 - Jesus in the Temple")). 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](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")). 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](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Everlasting Kingdom of the Prince of Peace")). 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](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 15:39

Lachish, and Bozkath, and Eglon,

2 Chronicles 34:1

¶ Josiah [was] eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years.

2 Chronicles 34:33

And Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that [pertained] to the children of Israel, and made all that were present in Israel to serve, [even] to serve the LORD their God. [And] all his days they departed not from following the LORD, the God of their fathers.

Isaiah 3:4

And I will give children [to be] their princes, and babes shall rule over them.

Matthew 1:10

And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;

Jeremiah 1:2

To whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

1 Kings 13:2

And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee.