Josiah

Josiah became king of Judah at just eight years old, following the assassination of his wicked father Amon. Despite his young age and corrupt heritage—his grandfather Manasseh was one of Judah's worst kings—Josiah "did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left."

At sixteen, Josiah began seeking the God of David. At twenty, he began purging Judah of idolatry, tearing down altars and high places throughout the land. At twenty-six, while the temple was being repaired, the high priest Hilkiah discovered the Book of the Law, likely Deuteronomy, which had been lost or hidden during the previous wicked reigns.

When the book was read to Josiah, he tore his robes in grief, realizing how far Judah had strayed from God's commands. The prophetess Huldah confirmed that judgment was coming, but because Josiah had humbled himself and wept before God, he would be gathered to his grave in peace before the disaster came. Josiah then led a national covenant renewal and celebrated Passover as it hadn't been observed since the days of the judges.

Tragically, Josiah died at thirty-nine when he unwisely opposed the Egyptian Pharaoh Neco at Megiddo. The entire nation mourned deeply for their beloved king. Within twenty-three years of his death, Jerusalem fell to Babylon, just as had been prophesied.