Adaiah עֲדָיָ֫הוּ
Father of Jedidah who was mother of King Josiah of Judah
Who is Adaiah in the Bible?
Adaiah was a man from Bozkath whose daughter Jedidah became the mother of King Josiah of Judah (2 Kings 22:1). Though Adaiah himself is mentioned only briefly in Scripture, he is significant as the grandfather of one of Judah's most important kings. Josiah ascended to the throne at age eight and reigned for thirty-one years, during which he initiated major religious reforms and oversaw the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple (2 Kings 22-23). Adaiah's inclusion in the biblical genealogy underscores the importance of maternal lineage in the royal succession and connects him to a pivotal period of spiritual renewal in Judah's history.
Biography
Adaiah is mentioned in 2Ki.22.1 as the father of Jedidah who was mother of King Josiah of Judah. Adaiah came from Bozkath, a town in the Shephelah region of Judah. Jedidah's husband and Josiah's father was Amon, who reigned as king of Judah for two years before being assassinated by his servants (2Ki.21.19-23).
Josiah became king at the age of eight and reigned for thirty-one years in Jerusalem (2Ki.22.1). He is known for his religious reforms and his commitment to following the laws of God. During his reign, the Book of the Law was discovered in the temple, leading to a renewal of the covenant and the celebration of the Passover (2 Kings 22-23).
Although Adaiah is only briefly mentioned as Josiah's mother, her inclusion in the narrative highlights the importance of maternal lineage in the royal dynasty of Judah. It also provides a geographical connection to the town of Bozkath, indicating the diverse origins of the mothers of Judean kings.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book2 Kings 1 verse
- 2 Kings 22:1
"Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עֲדָיָ֫הוּ |