Lexical Summary Charchas: Harhas Original Word: חַרְחַס Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Harhas From the same as cherec; perhaps shining; Charchas, an Israelite -- Harhas. see HEBREW cherec NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition an Isr. NASB Translation Harhas (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs חַרְחַס proper name, masculine grandfather of Shallum, who was husband of Huldah the prophetess 2 Kings 22:14. I. חרט (√ of following; Aramaic Topical Lexicon Identity and Family Setting Harḥas (Strong’s Hebrew 2745) is introduced in 2 Kings 22:14 as the grandfather of Shallum and thus the great-grandfather by marriage of the prophetess Huldah. The inspired record traces the lineage: “Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe” (2 Kings 22:14). His name—suggestive of intense heat or glowing zeal—stands as a quiet witness to a family line that would be instrumental in one of Judah’s greatest spiritual renewals. Biblical Context Harḥas is mentioned only once, yet that single notice anchors him within the historical narrative surrounding King Josiah’s reforms (2 Kings 22–23; 2 Chronicles 34–35). The discovery of the lost Book of the Law, the public reading of its contents, and the sweeping covenant renewal that followed all pivoted on the prophetic validation supplied by Huldah—Harḥas’s great-granddaughter-in-law. Therefore, although Harḥas does not speak or act directly in the account, his placement in the genealogy links him to the divinely orchestrated chain of events that preserved and applied Scripture to the nation. Keeper of the Wardrobe The phrase “keeper of the wardrobe” immediately follows Harḥas’s name. Most interpreters assign the office to Shallum, yet the Hebrew construction allows the possibility that Harḥas himself once held that post before it passed to his grandson. The “wardrobe” could denote either royal garments (2 Kings 10:22) or priestly vestments (Exodus 28). Either way, the role was one of trust, requiring integrity and meticulous care for holy or regal attire—clothing that symbolized covenant identity and service. In such a setting, Harḥas would have moved regularly between palace and temple precincts, an ideal environment for nurturing a family that valued God’s word and was receptive to prophetic ministry. Connection with Huldah the Prophetess Huldah’s faithful proclamation of judgment and grace (2 Kings 22:15-20) demonstrates that prophetic authority in Judah was not confined to male voices. Harḥas’s family provided the relational network through which the Lord raised up a woman whose courageous clarity confirmed the authenticity of the rediscovered Law. Thus Harḥas’s household became a conduit for national repentance and covenant renewal under Josiah. Role in Josiah’s Reformation 1. Authenticating Scripture: By anchoring Huldah within a reputable household, the Spirit underscored the reliability of her message—thereby validating the Book of the Law just uncovered. Theological and Practical Lessons • God values hidden faithfulness. One brief mention is enough to secure Harḥas’s name in Scripture, illustrating that eternal significance is not measured by public prominence but by covenant fidelity. Historical Notes Dating Harḥas precisely is difficult, yet the chronological place of his grandson Shallum within Josiah’s eighteenth year (circa 622 BC) puts Harḥas’s life squarely in the tumultuous decades leading up to the Babylonian exile. The spelling variation “Hasrah” in 2 Chronicles 34:22 likely reflects dialectal or scribal differences, not a separate individual. Application for Ministry Today Pastors and teachers can draw from Harḥas’s understated example to encourage lay believers whose labor seems obscure: every act of service under God’s covenant can prepare the way for larger displays of His glory. Families can be challenged to cultivate environments where the word of God is respected and prophetic voices are welcomed. Finally, Harḥas reminds the church that spiritual fervor (“burning heat”) must translate into concrete acts of stewardship within both sacred and secular spheres. Forms and Transliterations חַרְחַס֙ חרחס charChas ḥar·ḥas ḥarḥasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Kings 22:14 HEB: תִּקְוָ֗ה בֶּן־ חַרְחַס֙ שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַבְּגָדִ֔ים NAS: the son of Harhas, keeper KJV: the son of Harhas, keeper INT: of Tikvah the son of Harhas keeper of the wardrobe 1 Occurrence |
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cut, scratch, tear; compare Arabic 
peel off bark, strip off leaves (modern Arabic turn wood), 
iron instrument for doing this).