### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yôʼshîyâh**, represented by `{{H2977}}`, means **founded of Jah**. It appears **53 times** across **48 unique verses**, primarily identifying Josiah, a significant king of Judah. He was the son of Amon and a descendant of the house of David ([[1 Chronicles 3:14]], [[1 Kings 13:2]]).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Josiah's life is marked by a prophecy given long before his birth, foretelling that a child named **Josiah** would be born to the house of David and would desecrate the altar at Bethel [[1 Kings 13:2]]. He became king of Judah at eight years old and reigned for thirty-one years [[2 Kings 22:1]]. His reign is renowned for sweeping religious reforms, prompted by the discovery of the book of the law in the house of the LORD [[2 Kings 23:24]]. **Josiah** removed idols `{{H1544}}`, images `{{H8655}}`, and workers with familiar spirits `{{H178}}`, and he destroyed the high places in both Judah and Samaria ([[2 Kings 23:19]], [[2 Kings 23:24]]). He fulfilled the ancient prophecy by burning men's bones upon the altar at Bethel [[2 Kings 23:16]]. He also instituted a Passover observance so significant that none like it had been kept since the days of Samuel the prophet [[2 Chronicles 35:18]]. His life ended tragically when he went against Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt and was killed in battle at Megiddo [[2 Kings 23:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the life and reign of Josiah:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This title is central to Josiah's identity as a ruler of Judah. The prophetic ministries of Jeremiah and Zephaniah began during the days of **Josiah** the **king** ([[Jeremiah 1:2]], [[Zephaniah 1:1]]).
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): Lineage is crucial to Josiah's story, as he is identified as the **son** of Amon [[Jeremiah 25:3]] and the father of future kings like Jehoiakim and Zedekiah [[Jeremiah 1:3]].
* `{{H8451}}` **tôwrâh** (law): Josiah's reforms were driven by his commitment to perform the words of the **law** written in the book found by Hilkiah the priest [[2 Kings 23:24]].
* `{{H4196}}` **mizbêach** (an altar): The prophecy about Josiah centered on his future actions against the **altar** in Bethel, which he later polluted as foretold ([[1 Kings 13:2]], [[2 Kings 23:16]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of Josiah's story is significant, highlighting several key themes:
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The narrative demonstrates God's sovereignty, as a specific prophecy naming **Josiah** and his actions was given to the house of David long before his birth and was precisely fulfilled ([[1 Kings 13:2]], [[2 Kings 23:16]]).
* **Authority of Scripture:** Josiah's reign underscores the power of God's written word. The discovery of the book of the law `{{H8451}}` in the house of the LORD prompted a national campaign to purge the land of abominations and restore proper worship [[2 Kings 23:24]].
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** **Josiah** is portrayed as a righteous king who led his people back to God. He took away abominations from Israel and made all who were present serve the LORD, and during his days they did not depart from following God [[2 Chronicles 34:33]].
* **Righteous Leadership:** His leadership resulted in a Passover celebration unmatched since the days of Samuel the prophet, involving the priests, Levites, and all of Judah and Israel [[2 Chronicles 35:18]].
### Summary
In summary, **Yôʼshîyâh** is the name of a pivotal king whose life was framed by prophecy and defined by zealous reform. His name, "founded of Jah," is reflected in his efforts to rebuild the nation's spiritual foundation upon the discovered word of the LORD `{{H3068}}`. The account of his reign serves as a powerful illustration of the consequences of obedience to God's law and the fulfillment of His divine purposes in history.
TRV