Salt Shaker Press: The Story of Josiah, the Youngest King of Israel

Transcription: The Story of Josiah, the Youngest King of Israel

There are stories that seem straight out of fairy tales, but they are as real as the ground we walk on. Imagine a kingdom plunged into darkness, where evil runs rampant and hope seems to have vanished. Now think of a boy—a boy so young that he can barely tie his own shoes, but who is about to carry the weight of an entire nation on his small shoulders. It seems impossible, doesn't it? But this is exactly how the incredible journey of Josiah begins: the youngest king, and surprisingly, one of the best that Israel has ever known.

Get ready for a story that will challenge everything you thought you knew about leadership, faith, and the power of a single life to change the destiny of thousands.

The kingdom of Judah was facing dark times. The nation, once glorious under the reign of David and Solomon, was now staggering on the brink of spiritual and moral collapse. The kings who succeeded the wise Solomon had, for the most part, strayed from the ways of the Lord, leading the people into idolatry and injustice.

In this turbulent scenario, a boy was born who was destined to change the course of Judah's history. His name was Josiah, the son of Ammon and the grandson of Manasseh, two of the most wicked kings who had ever ruled the southern kingdom.

In 2 Kings 21:19-20, scripture reveals the character of Josiah's father: "Ammon was 22 years old when he began to reign, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, as Manasseh his father had done." Corruption and idolatry had deeply rooted themselves in Jewish society. The altars of foreign gods dotted the landscape, and the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem lay in ruins, neglected and profaned. The people had turned so far away from God that the very law of Moses—the foundation of the covenant between God and Israel—had been lost and forgotten.

It was in this environment of spiritual decay that young Josiah grew up. His father Ammon followed in Manasseh's footsteps, perpetuating idolatrous practices and social injustice. The Bible recounts in 2 Kings 21:21-22: "He walked in all the way in which his father walked and served the idols that his father had served and bowed down to them. He abandoned the Lord, the God of his fathers, and did not walk in the way of the Lord."

Ammon's reign, however, was brief and tumultuous. After only two years on the throne, he was assassinated by his own servants in a palace conspiracy. Scripture tells us in 2 Kings 21:23-24: "And the servants of Ammon conspired against him and killed the king in his house. But the people of the land struck down all who had conspired against King Ammon, and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his place."

Thus, in an unexpected manner and under tragic circumstances, Josiah ascended to the throne of Judah at just eight years old. In 2 Kings 22:1, the Bible records this crucial moment: "Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem." It was a boy ruling a nation in crisis—a situation that seemed doomed to failure.

The challenges Josiah faced were enormous. How could a child-king reverse generations of apostasy and corruption? How could he, born into a lineage of wicked kings, find the way back to God?

The answer to these questions began to reveal itself in the early years of Josiah's reign. Although too young to govern effectively, the boy king was surrounded by faithful advisers who guided him during his childhood and adolescence. Among these advisers were likely the high priest Hilkiah and the scribe Shaphan, who later played crucial roles in Josiah's reforms. These God-fearing men must have had a positive influence on the young monarch, planting the seeds of faith that would flourish in the coming years.

Although the Bible does not provide specific details about Josiah's education, we can infer that he was instructed in the ancient traditions of Israel and the teachings of the prophets. As Josiah grew, his curiosity and interest in God's things also increased. He must have heard stories about his ancestors—kings like David and Solomon—who had led the nation in times of great prosperity and devotion to God. Perhaps he wondered why the kingdom of Judah had fallen into such a state of decay, and what could be done to restore it.

The years of Josiah's childhood and early adolescence were undoubtedly a period of learning and preparation. While the affairs of state were conducted by his advisers, the young king absorbed knowledge and wisdom, developing a character that would soon surprise everyone.

As he approached the age of sixteen, Josiah began to take a more active role in governance. His youth, which could have been a disadvantage, proved to be a hidden blessing. Free from the corrupting influences that had shaped his predecessors, Josiah was ready to lead Judah in a new direction.

The stage was set for one of the most remarkable transformations in Israel's history—an unlikely heir, born amid corruption and idolatry, was about to embark on a journey that would change the course of a nation and leave a lasting legacy of faith and obedience to God.

At the age of sixteen, Josiah began a spiritual journey that would transform not only his life but the entire kingdom of Judah. Scripture reveals this crucial moment in 2 Chronicles 34:3: "For 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 of the high places, the Asherim, and the carved and molten images."

This verse marks the beginning of a profound personal and national transformation. Josiah, now with sufficient discernment to understand the spiritual state of his kingdom, felt an inner calling to seek the God of his ancestors. This quest was not merely intellectual or political, but a genuine longing of the heart to know and follow the Lord.

The young king must have spent many hours studying ancient writings, conversing with priests and prophets, and seeking to understand the history of his people and their relationship with God. He learned about the covenant God had made with Israel, the laws He had given through Moses, and the consequences of disobedience that his people were facing.

As Josiah grew in knowledge and understanding, his determination to restore true worship of God in Judah also increased. At the age of twenty, he felt prepared to initiate concrete reforms. The biblical text tells us in 2 Chronicles 34:3-5: "In the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherim, and the carved and molten images. They broke down the altars of the Baals in his presence, and he cut down the incense altars that stood above them. He broke in pieces the Asherim and the carved and molten images, and made dust of them and scattered it upon the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. He also burned the bones of the priests upon their altars and purged Judah and Jerusalem."

These actions demonstrate Josiah's courage and conviction. He was not content with mere personal change but took drastic measures to purify the nation. The destruction of pagan altars, idol poles, and images was a dangerous and controversial task. Many in the kingdom had grown up with these idolatrous practices and considered them normal. However, Josiah was determined to eliminate everything that opposed true worship of God.

The purification was not limited to Jerusalem and Judah. Josiah extended his reforms to the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, Simeon, and Naphtali, as reported in 2 Chronicles 34:6-7: "He did the same in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, as far as Naphtali, in their ruins all around. When he had broken down the altars and the Asherim and had beaten the carved images into powder and cut down all the incense altars throughout all the land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem."

This expansion of reforms beyond the borders of Judah is remarkable. Although these areas were technically under the control of the northern kingdom, which had been conquered by Assyria, Josiah felt responsible for purifying all the land promised by God to Israel.

In the eighteenth year of his reign, at the age of twenty-six, Josiah undertook one of the most significant actions of his rule: the restoration of the Temple of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 34:8 tells us: "Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the Lord his God."

This decision to restore the temple was a crucial step in the spiritual renewal of Judah. The temple, built by Solomon, was the center of worship to God and the symbol of divine presence among the people. Over the years of apostasy, it had been neglected and profaned. Its restoration symbolized Josiah's desire to restore the relationship between God and his people.

During the restoration work, an event occurred that would drastically change the course of Josiah's reform. The high priest Hilkiah made a surprising discovery, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 34:14-15: "While they were bringing out the money that had been brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the Lord given by Moses. Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, 'I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord.' And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan."

The discovery of the Book of the Law was a decisive moment. This book, likely containing parts or all of the Pentateuch—the first five books of the Bible—had been lost or hidden during years of apostasy. Its rediscovery provided Josiah and the people with a solid foundation to understand God's will and the requirements of the covenant.

When the contents of the book were read to Josiah, his reaction was profound. 2 Chronicles 34:19-21 tells us: "When the king heard the words of the law, he tore his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Abdon the son of Micah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying, 'Go, inquire of the Lord for me and for those who are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the Lord that is poured out on us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord, to do according to all that is written in this book.'"

Josiah's reaction demonstrates his humility and fear of God. He immediately recognized that his people had strayed gravely from the Lord's ways and that they were under the threat of divine judgment. His concern was not only for himself but for all the people of Judah and Israel.

In response to Josiah's inquiry, the prophetess Huldah delivered a mixed message from God. She confirmed that judgment would come upon Judah because of their disobedience, but also brought a word of comfort for Josiah. In 2 Chronicles 34:26-28, we read: "But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, thus shall you say to him: 'Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard, because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this place and its inhabitants, and you have humbled yourself before me and have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. Behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place and its inhabitants.'"

This message must have been both comforting and challenging for Josiah. Although judgment was inevitable, God acknowledged the sincerity of the king's heart and promised that he would not see the destruction that would come upon Judah.

Moved by this revelation, Josiah summoned all the people for a public reading of the Book of the Law. 2 Chronicles 34:30-31 describes this powerful event: "And the king went up to the house of the Lord, with all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests and the Levites, all the people both great and small. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the Lord. And the king stood in his place and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book."

This public act of reading and renewing the covenant marked the climax of Josiah's spiritual awakening and that of Judah. The king led the people in a renewed commitment to follow God and obey his law. It was the beginning of a new era of faithfulness and obedience that would transform the nation in the coming years.

With the renewal of the covenant, Josiah initiated a series of comprehensive reforms that would profoundly transform the religious and social life of Judah. The king was determined to completely eradicate idolatry and restore true worship of the Lord throughout the kingdom.

Josiah's first action was to consolidate the purification of worship that he had begun years earlier. 2 Kings 23:4 tells us: "And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the threshold, to bring out of the temple of the Lord all the vessels made for Baal, for Asherah, and for all the host of heaven. He burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron and carried their ashes to Bethel."

This action demonstrates Josiah's determination to eliminate all traces of pagan worship, not only by destroying idolatrous objects but also by removing their ashes from the holy city. The mention of Bethel is significant, as it was an ancient center of idolatrous worship in the northern kingdom.

The king did not stop with the worship objects. He also took drastic measures against the priests who had promoted idolatry. 2 Kings 23:5 reports: "He deposed the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to make offerings in the high places at the cities of Judah and around Jerusalem; those also who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and the moon and the constellations and all the host of the heavens."

This action by Josiah demonstrates his understanding that the reform could not be merely external. It was necessary to remove those who had led the people astray so that true worship could be restored.

The centralization of worship in Jerusalem was another crucial aspect of Josiah's reform. He destroyed the high places—sites of worship spread throughout the kingdom that had become centers of idolatrous practices. 2 Kings 23:8-9 informs us: "He brought all the priests out of the cities of Judah and defiled the high places where the priests had made offerings, from Geba to Beersheba. He broke down the high places of the gates that were at the entrance of the gate of Joshua, the governor of the city, which were on one's left at the gate of the city. However, the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the Lord in Jerusalem, but they ate unleavened bread among their brothers."

This centralization of worship in Jerusalem was an attempt to return to the original prescription of Mosaic law, which commanded that sacrifices be offered at the place chosen by God. At the same time, Josiah showed mercy to the priests of the high places, allowing them to share in the offerings, although they could not officiate at the altar.

One of the most symbolic and powerful acts of Josiah's reform was the destruction of the altar at Bethel. This altar, erected by Jeroboam when the kingdom divided, had been a symbol of Israel's apostasy for generations. 2 Kings 23:15-16 describes Josiah's action: "Moreover, the altar at Bethel, the high place erected by Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, that altar with the high place he pulled down and burned, reducing it to dust. He also burned the Asherah. And as Josiah turned, he saw the tombs that were there on the mount, and he sent and took the bones out of the tombs and burned them on the altar and defiled it, according to the word of the Lord that the man of God proclaimed, who had predicted these things."

This act not only fulfilled an ancient prophecy but also symbolized the spiritual reunification of Israel and Judah under true worship of the Lord.

Josiah's reform also included the restoration of important religious festivals, primarily the Passover. 2 Kings 23:21-23 tells us: "And the king commanded all the people, 'Keep the Passover to the Lord your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.' For no such Passover had been kept since the days of the judges who judged Israel, or during all the days of the kings of Israel or of the kings of Judah. But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah this Passover was kept to the Lord in Jerusalem."

Certainly! Here is more of the story and transcription from the video about King Josiah, focusing on the pivotal events after the discovery of the Book of the Law and his response as king:

After the Book of the Law was found during the temple repairs, Josiah's reaction was immediate and heartfelt. When the scroll was read aloud to him, he tore his clothes—a sign of deep distress and repentance—because he realized how far the people of Judah had strayed from God's commands. He understood that the nation was under threat of divine judgment because their ancestors had not obeyed the words written in the book

Josiah then commanded Hilkiah the priest, along with several of his officials, to "inquire of the Lord" about what should be done, given the severity of what they had just learned. To do this, they went to consult the prophetess Huldah, who lived in Jerusalem. Huldah delivered a two-part message from God: judgment would indeed come upon Judah for its disobedience, but because Josiah had humbled himself, shown genuine sorrow, and sought the Lord, he would not live to see the disaster that would befall the nation. Instead, Josiah would die in peace

Upon receiving this message, Josiah gathered all the elders and people of Judah and Jerusalem. He went to the temple and read the words of the newly discovered scroll to everyone, both great and small. There, he made a public covenant before God to follow the Lord and keep His commands, statutes, and decrees with all his heart and soul. All the people joined him in this renewed commitment to the covenant

Josiah then led a sweeping religious reform throughout Judah:

He ordered the removal and destruction of all idols and objects related to pagan worship from the temple and throughout the land.
He deposed the priests who had led the people in idol worship.
He destroyed the high places and altars dedicated to foreign gods, not only in Judah but also in former territories of Israel, such as Bethel

One of the most significant acts of Josiah's reign was the restoration of the Passover celebration. The Passover had not been observed in such a manner since the days of the judges or any of the previous kings. Josiah commanded that the festival be kept according to what was written in the Book of the Law, and the people celebrated it with great devotion and joy

"No such Passover had been kept since the days of the judges who judged Israel, or during all the days of the kings of Israel or of the kings of Judah. But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah this Passover was kept to the Lord in Jerusalem." (2 Kings 23:22-23)

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Josiah's reign is remembered as a time of spiritual renewal and reform, marked by his sincere devotion to God and his determination to lead the people back to faithfulness. Despite the looming judgment foretold by Huldah, Josiah's legacy stands as a testament to the power of humility, repentance, and leadership rooted in God's word.

Summary

Absolutely! Here’s a concise summary of the video “Black and White Bible: The Story of Josiah, the Youngest King of Israel” (YouTube link):

Summary: The Story of Josiah, the Youngest King of Israel

Josiah became king of Judah at just eight years old, inheriting a nation in spiritual and moral decline due to the idolatrous reigns of his father (Ammon) and grandfather (Manasseh). Despite this troubled legacy, Josiah sought to follow God wholeheartedly.

As a teenager, Josiah began to seek the God of his ancestor David. By age twenty, he started a campaign to rid Judah and surrounding regions of idols, pagan altars, and corrupt priests. His reforms were bold, extending even into former northern Israelite territories.

A turning point came when the Book of the Law (likely Deuteronomy or the Pentateuch) was discovered during temple repairs. When Josiah heard the words of the Law, he was deeply moved and realized how far the nation had strayed. He tore his clothes in repentance and sought guidance from the prophetess Huldah, who prophesied that disaster would come upon Judah for its sins, but Josiah would be spared from witnessing it because of his humility and repentance.

Josiah then gathered all the people and publicly renewed the covenant with God, pledging to follow His commands. He intensified his reforms, purging the land of every trace of idol worship and restoring the proper worship of the Lord.

One of Josiah’s greatest achievements was the celebration of Passover in Jerusalem with a devotion and scale not seen since the days of the judges. This event symbolized the spiritual renewal of the nation under his leadership.

Josiah’s reign was marked by sincerity, courage, and a commitment to God’s Word. Though his reforms could not ultimately prevent Judah’s eventual downfall, his story stands as a powerful example of how one person—regardless of age or background—can lead a nation back to faithfulness and leave a lasting legacy.

Key Lessons:

True leadership is rooted in humility, repentance, and a willingness to seek God.
Even in the darkest times, a single life surrendered to God can spark national transformation.
Sincere reform requires both personal commitment and public action.

If you’d like more details about Josiah’s final years or his legacy, just let me know!

If you need the rest of the transcript or a summary of the ending, just let me know!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiqfAY9tXYI

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compare/contrast this to the rise of the MAGA political movement 02020-25

Comparison: Josiah’s Religious Reform vs. the Rise of the MAGA Political Movement (2016–2025)

Aspect	Josiah’s Reform (Ancient Judah)	MAGA Movement (USA, 2020–2025)
Origin/Trigger	Spiritual and moral crisis after generations of idolatry and neglect of God’s laws	Political and cultural dissatisfaction, belief that America had lost its former greatness1 5 6
Leadership	Josiah: a young king, personally committed to religious reform and covenant restoration	Donald Trump: charismatic leader, figurehead of a populist/nationalist movement1 5 6
Motivation	Return to foundational religious laws, national repentance, and restoration of covenant	“Make America Great Again”: return to perceived traditional values, economic protectionism, nationalism1 5 6
Methods	Destruction of idols, public reading of the Law, centralization of worship, social reforms	Political rallies, executive orders, policy changes (immigration, trade, judiciary), media campaigns1 2 5 6
Response to Crisis	Humility, repentance, seeking prophetic guidance, communal covenant renewal	Populist mobilization, rejection of political establishment, claims of election fraud, protests1 5 6
Public Participation	National assembly for covenant renewal, mass religious observance (Passover)	Mass rallies, grassroots activism, strong identification with leader and movement1 5 6
Opposition/Backlash	Resistance from entrenched idolatrous elites, but broad compliance during Josiah’s reign	Fierce political opposition, cultural polarization, January 6 Capitol riot, legal challenges1 5 6
Legacy/Outcome	Short-term religious revival, but ultimate fall of Judah due to deep-rooted issues	Ongoing transformation of US politics, polarization, uncertain long-term impact1 5 6

Key Contrasts

Nature of Reform:
Josiah’s movement was religious, focused on spiritual renewal and obedience to divine law. The MAGA movement is political, centered on nationalism, economic protectionism, and a return to traditional American values1 56.
Leadership Style:
Josiah acted with humility and sought prophetic counsel, leading by example and repentance. Trump’s leadership is characterized by populist rhetoric, confrontation, and personal charisma1 56.
Means of Change:
Josiah’s reforms were top-down but involved public participation in religious rites. MAGA’s change is both top-down (executive orders, judicial appointments) and bottom-up (grassroots mobilization, rallies)1 2 56.
Attitude Toward Opposition:
Josiah’s opposition was largely internal (idolatrous elites), and he used religious authority to enact change. MAGA faces entrenched political, legal, and media opposition, often responding with claims of conspiracy or fraud1 56.

Key Similarities

Restoration Narrative:
Both movements are driven by a belief that the nation has fallen from a former state of greatness and must return to foundational principles—religious law for Josiah, “traditional” American values for MAGA1 56.
Charismatic Leadership:
Both rely on a central, charismatic figure to inspire and direct large-scale change1 56.
Mass Mobilization:
Both involve mobilizing the populace for a dramatic, collective return to perceived core values1 56.

Conclusion

While Josiah’s reform was a spiritual movement rooted in humility, repentance, and covenant renewal, the MAGA movement is a political phenomenon grounded in nationalism, populism, and a contested vision of American identity. Both sought to restore what they saw as a lost greatness, but their methods, motivations, and contexts are fundamentally different1 56.

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The Story of Josiah, the Youngest King of Israel

Transcription: The Story of Josiah, the Youngest King of Israel

Summary: The Story of Josiah, the Youngest King of Israel

Comparison: Josiah’s Religious Reform vs. the Rise of the MAGA Political Movement (2016–2025)

Key Contrasts

Key Similarities

Conclusion

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