The answer is: 8 years

2 Kings 22:1

Imagine an 8-year-old sitting on a throne! That’s exactly how young King Josiah was when he started ruling Jerusalem. It’s mind-blowing to think about—while most kids his age are just starting to master their school subjects, he was entrusted with the leadership of a nation. But this wasn’t just a case of being a figurehead; Josiah went on to become one of the most celebrated kings in Israel’s history.

Josiah’s reign, which began around 640 BC, was significant for introducing crucial reforms in Judah. During his rule, he implemented religious reforms that aimed to restore proper worship of the God of Israel, cleansing the temple and re-establishing the observance of the Law. You could say he was a sort of early spiritual activist!

Trivia alert: Josiah were around during the society’s darkest moments, as idolatry flourished, but instead of simply enjoying the privileges of his kingship, he chose a path of righteousness. How inspiring is that?

Interestingly, it's also noteworthy to see a parallel in other places in biblical history where young leaders emerged. Take Timothy for instance. He was young when he started leading the church in Ephesus. This shows that influence for good isn't limited by age; courage and commitment count more. So here we have King Josiah, proof that even the smallest voices can lead to the biggest changes. Would you have the guts to make monumental decisions at 8? Josiah certainly did!