King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 22:1 Mean?

“Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.”

Context

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.

And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying,

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**XXII. THE REIGN OF JOSIAH** (2 Kings 22, 2Kings 23:30; comp. 2 Chronicles 24, 25) (1) **Josiah.**—The name seems to mean “Jah healeth.” (Comp. Exodus 15:26; Isaiah 30:26.) **Eight years old.**—The queen-mother was probably paramount in the government during the first years of the reign. **Boscath.**—In the lowland of Judah (Joshua 15:39). **He reigned thirty and one years.**—And somewhat over. (Comp. Jeremiah 1:2; Jeremiah 25:1; Jeremiah 25:3; according to which passages it was twenty-three years from the thirteenth of Josiah to the fourth of Jehoiakim.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 22:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.