The answer is: A prophet of Judah

2 Kings 23:17-18 - The same prophet who made the prophecy hundreds of years earlier

Josiah, the last of the great kings of Judah, was a radical reformer, eager to cleanse the land of idolatry and restore the worship of the true God. When he discovered a prophet's grave at Bethel, he surprisingly chose to leave it undisturbed. This prophet, you may recall, played a pivotal role hundreds of years earlier when he foretold that a future king named Josiah would come and undertake this very purification – making it a remarkable act of divine foresight!

The story brings to mind biblical irony and echoes of fulfilment in prophetic tradition. The old prophet had risked a lot when he defied King Jeroboam's idolatrous practices. He reminded the people of that sacred balance between prophecy and obedience to God’s command. Josiah’s respect for the grave demonstrates a deep sense of reverence and connection to his ancestry and godly heritage.

Fun fact: Bethel has a rich significance in biblical history and is known as a sanctuary, the house of God, and a geographical echo of divine encounters like Jacob's ladder! Reflecting on Josiah’s decision lets us wrestle with the themes of legacy and the impact of our actions across generations. It prompts thought about how today, we should honor those who stood courageously for their faith, shaping the unfolding story of spirituality that connects both ancient peoples and modern lives.