The answer is: 8 years

2 Kings 22:1

Josiah is truly one of the remarkable figures in the Bible, reigning as King of Judah from the youthful age of only 8. Can you imagine the weight of leadership resting on such young shoulders—barely learning to tie his shoes, much less make wise decisions for an entire kingdom? Josiah, however, didn't let youth undermine his capabilities; instead, he stands out as a symbol of reform and dedication to the religious practices of his people.

His reign was marked by a deep commitment to purging idol worship in Jerusalem, returning his nation to the practices and teachings of the one true God. Interestingly, he came to power after a disastrous lineage of kings, crumbling under corruption and idolatry. Josiah’s transformation started with a profound discovery—the Book of the Law, likely the early form of what we now know as Deuteronomy—unearthing the spiritual blueprint for returning his people to their roots.

Another fascinating tidbit is how Josiah’s reforms set a pulse of revival throughout Judah, echoing the dreams of earlier prophets like Jeremiah, who would later advise him. Notonly did he revive the worship practices, but he also gave the nation a sense of identity as the people chosen by God, rekindling a lasting faith that far outlived his short reign. Even today, the essence of Josiah's legacy pushes us to reflect on age-old existential questions reflecting on personal responsibility and the significance of seeking a higher moral path!