Relevant Life

Today, we’re going to look at one of the most remarkable revival stories in all of Scripture—one that began with an eight‑year‑old king who grew up and, at age twenty‑six, led an entire nation back to God. His name is Josiah.

— The Background of a Revival

Josiah was the son of King Amon and the grandson of King Manasseh—two kings who rejected God’s truth and filled Judah with idolatry. Josiah became king at eight years old because his father was assassinated. Amon had brought idolatrous practices into Judah instead of following the one true God.

2 Kings 22:1

“Josiah was 8 years old when he began to rule, and he was king for 31 years in Jerusalem. His mother was Jedidah, daughter of Adaiah from Bozkath.”

Despite his family history, Josiah grew hungry for the things of God. Early in his reign, he sent his high priest to the temple to ensure the workers were being paid. While there, the priest discovered something extraordinary—the Book of the Law, the Pentateuch, the first five books of Moses.

Many scholars believe it had been hidden during the years of idolatry to keep it from being destroyed.

When Josiah heard the words of the Lord, everything changed. The fear of God gripped him. He tore his clothes in distress—a sign of deep repentance.

Revival is always fueled by the fear of the Lord and deep repentance.

The Scripture Reading

2 Kings 22:11–20

“When the king heard what the book of the Teachings said, he tore his clothes in distress.

Then the king gave an order to the priest Hilkiah, to Ahikam (son of Shaphan), Achbor (son of Micaiah), the scribe Shaphan, and the royal official Asaiah. He said,

‘On behalf of the people, all of Judah, and me, ask the LORD about the words in this book that has been found. The LORD’S fierce anger is directed towards us because our ancestors did not obey the things in this book or do everything written in it.’

So the priest Hilkiah, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to talk to the prophet Huldah. She was the wife of Shallum, son of Tikvah and grandson of Harhas. Shallum was in charge of the royal wardrobe. Huldah was living in the Second Part of Jerusalem.

She told them, ‘This is what the LORD God of Israel says: Tell the man who sent you to me,

“This is what the LORD says: I’m going to bring disaster on this place and on the people living here according to everything written in the book that the king of Judah has read.

I will do this because they have abandoned me and sacrificed to other gods in order to make me furious. Therefore, my burning anger directed at this place will never be extinguished.”

Huldah added, ‘But tell Judah’s king who sent you to me to ask the LORD a question, “This is what the LORD God of Israel says about the words you heard:

You had a change of heart and humbled yourself in front of the LORD when you heard my words against this place and those who live here. I had said that those who live here will be destroyed and cursed. You also tore your clothes in distress and cried in front of me. So I will listen to you, declares the LORD.

That is why I’m going to bring you to your ancestors. I’m going to bring you to your grave in peace, and your eyes will not see any of the disaster I’m going to bring on this place.”’

So they reported this to the king.”

Josiah Takes Action

By chapter 23, Josiah—now twenty‑six—begins leading a national revival.

He tore down the houses of male temple prostitutes.

He destroyed idols.

He removed pagan priests.

He confronted the worship of false gods like Asherah, the fertility goddess.

Josiah’s revival confronted sexual sin, family idols, mediums, psychics, and every form of spiritual corruption.

He also restored the Passover, a celebration pointing to the coming Messiah who would save the world from sin. Scripture says there had never been a Passover like the one Josiah led.

Josiah was a unique king—one whose heart fully aligned with God.

A Simple Look at Josiah’s Revival

Let’s break down the key elements of Josiah’s revival.

1. Josiah hungered for the things of God.

He realized something was missing.

True leaders lead by example and guide God’s people toward His purpose.

2. He had a passion to make right what was wrong.

There is no repentance unless the Holy Spirit draws us and reveals what is broken.

3. He demonstrated true fear of the Lord and deep repentance.

He repented for himself and for his nation.

4. He took action.

Revival is not meant to stay inside the four walls of the church.

Revival produces real, lasting change.

5. He restored biblical truth—even when it wasn’t popular.

The Passover prepared the people for the coming Messiah.

True revival brings us back to the simple truths of God’s Word—truths that have lost popularity in today’s church.

6. True repentance means change.

Josiah removed the evil things that caused the people to sin.

Repentance is not just emotion—it is transformation.

7. He sustained revival throughout his entire reign.

But after his death, the revival faded.

This reminds us that revival must be centered on the living God—not on a leader, not on a moment, but on Him alone.

Josiah’s story challenges us today. Revival begins with hunger. It deepens through repentance. And it is sustained through obedience and action.

May we be people who seek God with the same passion Josiah had—people who tear down idols, restore truth, and lead others toward the heart of God.