The answer is: Kidron

2 Kings 23:6

Josiah was quite a king—one who turned the tide of Israel's spiritual journey back toward Yahweh. Known for his radical reforms, he cleaned house in a way that would make even the neatest individual proud. One of his majorly symbolic acts was the removal of the Asherah pole. This wasn't just any ol' piece of wood; dynamic worship and practices were tied to these poles, often linked with fertility cults of the time which strayed from the worship of the living God.

Now, when he decided to deal with the Asherah pole, he took it to the Kidron Valley. The Kidron—not just a local dump, mind you—means “dark” in Hebrew, adding gravitas to his act. In biblical times, this valley became synonymous with impurity and rejection of idolatrous practices. In a twist of fate, this area would later boast significant references in biblical narratives, like Jesus’ own journey in the New Testament.

Fun fact: Did you know that Josiah was famously child-friendly? During his reforms, not only did he rid the kingdom of idols, but he also reinstated the Passover. That particular celebration hadn't been since the time of the judges! So when you think of Josiah's reforms, think of a king determined not just to cleanse the land but to restore a sense of community and worship centered on the true Israelite faith. By casting out the idolatry, he was also preaching a return not only to rituals but to the spirit behind them—a lesson that echoes today!