When King Josiah heard the words of the Book of the Law and realized how Israel had sinned, he tore his clothes in sorrow. Because of his humility and repentance, God delayed His judgment on Israel until after Josiah’s reign.

2 Kings 22:19-20 (RSV) states:
"Because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the Lord, when you heard how I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have rent your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, says the Lord. Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place."

This confirms that Josiah's humility and repentance were the reasons why God postponed the punishment of Israel.