Josiah of Judah

Josiah implemented sweeping reforms: he removed all idolatrous objects from the Temple, destroyed high places throughout Judah and Samaria, burned the bones of pagan priests on their altars, and reinstituted the Passover celebration. He centralized worship in Jerusalem.

Josiah extended his reforms into the former northern kingdom of Israel. He tore down the altar at Bethel built by Jeroboam I, burned the high place, and desecrated it with human bones. This fulfilled a prophecy made 300 years earlier.

During repairs of the Temple, Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of the Law, likely Deuteronomy. When Shaphan read it to Josiah, the king tore his clothes in grief, realizing how far Judah had strayed from God's commands. This discovery triggered a national religious revival.

Josiah commanded the people to celebrate the Passover as prescribed in the Book of the Law. This was the most extensive Passover observance since the time of the judges, involving the entire nation and following the detailed regulations of the newly discovered law.

Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt marched through Judah to aid the Assyrians against Babylon. Josiah intercepted Necho's army at Megiddo, despite Necho's warning not to interfere. Josiah was killed in the battle, ending his reform movement and leading to Judah's decline.