This verse follows the common formula that is used to summarize the reign of a ruler of Israel or Judah by stating Josiah’s age when he took over (eight years old), the length of his reign (thirty-one years), and his capital (Jerusalem). However, it does not mention his mother’s name. See the comments on 2 Chr 12.13. Josiah was king when God spoke to Jeremiah (see Jer 1.2; 3.6). Since this is the beginning of a new section, Good News Translation identifies Josiah as “king of Judah.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .