The answer is: Jehoahaz

2 Kings 23:31

After King Josiah’s tragic death, his son Jehoahaz stepped up to fill the enormous shoes of leadership over Judah. Imagine being thrust into such responsibility right after a king who was celebrated for profound religious reforms dies! Josiah, known for restoring the worship of one true God and eliminating idol worship, gained the country’s admiration through a series of significant changes, including repairing the Temple and re-establishing the covenant with God.

Now, Jehoahaz, also known as Shallum, took the throne at just 23. His reign, however, wasn't nearly as illustrious; he ruled for a mere three months. It's intriguing to note how history played favorites—strength and clarity of character seemingly run in generations; look at how Jehoahaz's lineage carried both the potential for greatness and its pitfalls, evident when he leaned more on regional politics than the spiritual calling of his father.

Following a hasty defeat against Egypt and being taken captive, Jehoahaz fell out of favor and was replaced by his brother, Jehoiakim, under the thumb of Pharaoh Necho. The tension during this time ultimately led to major shifts in Judah’s allegiance that would extend far beyond their monarchy, warming the wheels of what was eventually Babylon’s conquest.

Josiah's legacy lingered, however, emphasizing that sometimes, it's not just who comes after us but what values we instill that echoes for generations.