Josiah

Josiah (Hebrew: יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ, Modern: Yoshiya, Tiberian: Yōšīyyāhū; Greek: Ἰωσίας; Latin: Josias) was a king of Judah who is credited with significant religious reforms in the kingdom. He is often referred to as Josiah, son of Amon, and his reign is dated from approximately 641 to 609 BCE. Josiah is notable for his efforts to purify the worship of Yahweh in Judah, removing various elements of idolatry and centralizing worship in the Temple in Jerusalem. His reforms are detailed in the biblical books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where he is portrayed as a righteous king who followed the laws of Moses. The name Josiah is of Hebrew origin and means "Yahweh supports" or "Yahweh heals." In Arabic, the name is translated as يوشيا (Yūshiyā), and in Spanish, it is Josías. Josiah's reign is also significant in the context of the broader historical narrative of the ancient Near East, particularly in relation to the expanding power of the Neo-Babylonian Empire.