22. King Josiah – Jerusalem and Lachish Discoveries
Ancient letters and stone carvings tell the story of Judah’s religious reformer. Archaeologists found solid proof of his rule when they discovered a seal stamp with the name “Nathan-Melech” in the City of David. The Bible mentions this man as one of Josiah’s officials in 2 Kings 23:11. The seal comes from the 7th century BCE, right when Josiah ruled. These precious documents paint a picture of sweeping religious reforms and the centralization of worship in Jerusalem’s temple. Archaeologists also found clay seals bearing his officials’ names near the Temple Mount, confirming his court’s authority. The findings perfectly match accounts in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles.
