or יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ; from the same root as אֲשׁוּיָה and יָהּ; founded of Jah; Joshijah, the name of two Israelites; Josiah.
Transliteration:Yôʼshîyâh
Pronunciation:yo-shee-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name Yôʼshîyâh (`{{H2977}}`), also appearing as Yôʼshîyâhû, is derived from a root suggesting "founding" or "supporting," combined with Yâhh (יָהּ, `{{H3050}}`), a shortened form of Yahweh. The Strong's definition renders it as "founded of Jah." This etymology conveys a profound theological meaning: the individual's existence, position, or stability is divinely established and sustained by God Himself. It implies a sense of divine favor, purpose, and backing, suggesting that the person named Josiah is one whom Yahweh supports, establishes, or heals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Josiah (Yôʼshîyâh) primarily refers to two individuals in the Hebrew Bible.
1. **King Josiah of Judah:** This is the most prominent figure, whose reign is extensively detailed in [[2 Kings 22-23]] and [[2 Chronicles 34-35]]. He ascended to the throne at the tender age of eight following the assassination of his father, Amon, and reigned for 31 years in Jerusalem. His reign is lauded as one of the most righteous in Judah's history, second only to David's, because "he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left" ([[2 Kings 22:2]]).
* **Reform and Revival:** Josiah initiated a sweeping religious reform, beginning in the twelfth year of his reign, by purging Judah and Jerusalem of idolatry, including high places, Asherah poles, and cultic altars ([[2 Chronicles 34:3-7]]).
* **Discovery of the Law:** A pivotal moment occurred during the repair of the Temple, when the "Book of the Law" was discovered by Hilkiah the high priest ([[2 Kings 22:8]]). The reading of this book led Josiah to deep repentance and a national covenant renewal, where he committed himself and the people to obey the Lord's commands ([[2 Kings 23:1-3]]).
* **Passover Celebration:** Following the covenant renewal, Josiah reinstituted the Passover celebration on an unprecedented scale, surpassing any since the days of the judges ([[2 Kings 23:21-23]], [[2 Chronicles 35:18]]).
* **Tragic End:** Despite his righteousness, Josiah met a tragic end in battle against Pharaoh Neco at Megiddo ([[2 Kings 23:29-30]], [[2 Chronicles 35:20-25]]). His death marked the beginning of Judah's rapid decline towards exile, a judgment that even his profound reforms could not ultimately avert due to the deep-seated sins of previous generations ([[2 Kings 23:26-27]]).
2. **Josiah, son of Zephaniah:** This individual is mentioned in [[Zechariah 6:10]], [[Zechariah 6:14]] as one of those who returned from Babylonian exile, bringing silver and gold for the high priest Joshua, from which a crown was made. His inclusion highlights the continuity of the name within the covenant community, even after the exile.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Josiah (Yôʼshîyâh, `{{H2977}}`) is intrinsically linked to:
* **Yâhh (יָהּ, `{{H3050}}`):** The divine element "Jah" or "Yah" directly connects the name to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This signifies that the "founding" or "support" is not human but divine.
* **Ashuyah (אֲשׁוּיָה, `{{H802}}`):** While `{{H802}}` is a proper name itself, the Strong's definition suggests a shared root, which would imply a connection to concepts of foundation, establishment, or restoration. This aligns with the idea of being "founded" or "supported."
* **Themes of Reform and Covenant:** Josiah's life is synonymous with religious reform, a return to the Law, and covenant renewal. This connects to broader biblical concepts such as repentance (שׁוּב, `{{H7725}}`), obedience (שָׁמַע, `{{H8085}}`), and the enduring nature of God's covenant (בְּרִית, `{{H1285}}`).
* **Righteous Kingship:** Josiah stands alongside figures like David and Hezekiah as a model of a king who genuinely sought the Lord and led his people in righteousness, providing a stark contrast to the majority of Judah's idolatrous monarchs.
* **The Word of God:** The discovery of the Book of the Law is central to Josiah's narrative, underscoring the vital role of divine revelation in shaping individual and national life.
### Theological Significance
The name Josiah carries significant theological weight, particularly through the life of the king.
* **Divine Establishment and Purpose:** The meaning "Yahweh supports" or "founded of Jah" is powerfully demonstrated in King Josiah's life. Despite the profound apostasy of his immediate predecessors, God sovereignly raised him up, empowered him, and used him as an instrument for a significant, albeit temporary, national revival. This highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even when they stray.
* **The Transformative Power of God's Word:** Josiah's story is a profound testament to the power of God's revealed word. The discovery and reading of the Book of the Law catalyzed a sweeping spiritual awakening, leading to deep personal repentance and a national commitment to obedience. It illustrates that true spiritual renewal flows from a genuine encounter with and submission to divine truth.
* **Righteousness and Corporate Responsibility:** Josiah's personal piety and zealous reforms were exemplary ([[2 Kings 23:25]]). However, even his righteousness could not fully avert the divine judgment decreed against Judah due to the cumulative sins of previous generations ([[2 Kings 23:26-27]]). This underscores the complex interplay between individual faithfulness and corporate sin, and the reality of God's justice in holding nations accountable for their historical transgressions.
* **A Figure of Hope and Tragedy:** Josiah represents a final beacon of hope for the kingdom of Judah before its collapse. His unwavering devotion and efforts to restore true worship were remarkable. Yet, his tragic death marks the precipice of Judah's downfall, making his story a poignant reminder of both God's grace in raising up faithful leaders and the dire consequences of persistent national apostasy that ultimately lead to judgment.
### Summary
The Hebrew name Yôʼshîyâh (Josiah, `{{H2977}}`), meaning "Yahweh supports" or "founded of Jah," encapsulates a profound theological truth about divine establishment and sustenance. Predominantly associated with King Josiah of Judah ([[2 Kings 22-23]], [[2 Chronicles 34-35]]), his life vividly illustrates the power of God to raise up righteous leaders and the transformative impact of His Word. Josiah's zealous reforms, ignited by the discovery of the Book of the Law, led to a national spiritual revival unparalleled since ancient times. However, despite his personal righteousness, his efforts could not ultimately avert the divine judgment decreed against Judah due to generations of deep-seated idolatry ([[2 Kings 23:26-27]]). The name also appears for a post-exilic figure ([[Zechariah 6:10]], [[Zechariah 6:14]]). Theologically, Josiah's narrative underscores God's sovereign hand in history, the essential role of His revealed truth in fostering genuine repentance, and the solemn reality of corporate accountability before a holy God, even in the presence of individual faithfulness.
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