King Amon was the fourteenth king of Judah and reigned for two years, from 643 to 641 BCE. His reign is documented in the Second Book of Kings and the Second Book of Chronicles. He ascended the throne at the age of 22 after the assassination of his father, King Manasseh.
Understanding Amon’s role as Josiah’s father is crucial for comprehending the tumultuous period of Judean history leading up to Josiah’s reforms. Amon continued the idolatrous practices of his father, which deeply impacted the religious and political landscape of Judah. His brief, violent reign, culminating in his own assassination by his servants, created instability that directly influenced the environment in which Josiah would later rise to power and initiate his sweeping religious reforms. This context highlights the significance of Josiah’s deviation from his father’s legacy and his efforts to restore traditional Yahwistic worship.
