Abstract
Josiah represents quite an extraordinary character among kings of Judah. The manner how his story is narrated in 2 Chronicles 34-35 reflects the narrator’s fascination with Josiah and his conviction that the royal throne of Judah was occupied by a man truly worthy of being anointed , i.e. a messiah.
His actions were explicitly predicted and his rule was very likely considered as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecies that are in Christianity commonly related to Jesus Christ. Josiah ruled from his eight years of age without his regent’s assistance, and with authority.
He began to seek the Lord on his own despite the environment in which he had been raised, despite his family background. As a young man he alone launched a successful religious reform, to which the people succumbed.
He used his funds to restore the temple, and a newly found scroll posted a point of conversion in his life and subsequently in his doings in the public life in Judah. As a result, the expected catastrophe was postponed until after Josiah’s death.
By celebrating the Passover he demonstrated his revival of Israel’s old tribal traditions. Being aware of his authority and with confidence in the grace in God’s sight, together with a handful of loyal warriors he embarked on a major military adventure to fulfill his task as messiah: lead the final eschatological and victorious battle to ensure the ultimate liberation of God’s people.
The people, highly loyal to Josiah, fully trusted him in the holy war that was lost up front from the tactical point of view. However, Josiah died in the battle and Judah lost everything.
The consequent dread over God’s having abandoned His people and the prophetic silence incited inconsolable lamentations lasting for several decades.