The answer is: David

2 Kings 22:2

When we delve into the story of King Josiah, we find a royal figure whose life exemplifies faithfulness amidst the chaos of a nation drifting from its spiritual roots. Josiah’s reign from 640 to 609 BC was marked by significant reforms and a renaissance of fidelity to the ancient ways, and he didn’t stray far from the model set by his ancestor, David.

David is often remembered for uniting Israel and establishing a covenant with God characterized by a sincere heart. Josiah emulated this by striving to restore proper worship in the Temple of Jerusalem. It’s fascinating to note that Josiah's discovery of the Book of the Law during Temple renovations galvanized these efforts, highlighting the importance of scripture in guiding nations through moral and hopeful living.

Interestingly, while David’s legacy includes intriguing moments of personal failure, it’s his relationship with God—an earnest seeking—that shapes Josiah's pattern. Both were leaders whose devotion ultimately shaped Israelite worship. It's also worth mentioning that Josiah is the last of the righteous kings before Judah’s eventual downfall to Babylon, emphasizing the cyclical nature of faithfulness and failure.

The name "Josiah" itself means "Yahweh has healed," which echoes his mission—the restoration of Israel’s spiritual health. So, through pathways layered in scripture, from David onwards, we see God’s enduring call to seek justice and remain rooted in spiritual truths wherever we may be in history.