Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Huldah is a significant yet often overlooked prophetess in the Hebrew Bible, specifically mentioned in the context of King Josiah's reign in the Kingdom of Judah. Her account is primarily found in 2 Kings 22:14-20 and 2 Chronicles 34:22-28. Huldah's role as a prophetess highlights the presence and influence of women in the spiritual and religious life of ancient Israel.Historical Context Huldah lived during the late 7th century BC, a tumultuous period in Judah's history marked by religious reform and political upheaval. King Josiah, who reigned from approximately 640 to 609 BC, was known for his efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh and eliminate idolatry from the land. This period followed the reigns of Manasseh and Amon, who had led the nation into deep idolatry and moral decline. Biblical Account The narrative of Huldah is set against the backdrop of Josiah's religious reforms. During the renovation of the Temple in Jerusalem, the high priest Hilkiah discovered the Book of the Law, believed to be a form of Deuteronomy. Realizing the gravity of the nation's deviation from the covenant, Josiah sent a delegation to inquire of the Lord regarding the words of the book. The delegation included Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Acbor, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah, a servant of the king. They sought out Huldah, who resided in Jerusalem in the Second District. Her selection as the prophetess to consult underscores her recognized authority and spiritual insight. Prophetic Message Huldah's response, as recorded in 2 Kings 22:15-20 , was both a confirmation of impending judgment and a message of hope for Josiah: "She said to them, 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Tell the man who sent you to me that this is what the LORD says: I am going to bring disaster on this place and its people, according to all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read. Because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, provoking Me to anger with all the works of their hands, My wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched.'" However, Huldah also conveyed a personal message to Josiah, acknowledging his humility and repentance: "Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people, and because you tore your clothes and wept in My presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD. Therefore, I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.'" Significance Huldah's role as a prophetess is significant for several reasons. Firstly, her authority and the respect she commanded are evident in the fact that high-ranking officials and the king himself sought her counsel. Secondly, her prophecy played a crucial role in affirming Josiah's reforms and his commitment to the covenant with Yahweh. Her message underscored the themes of judgment and mercy, highlighting the importance of repentance and obedience to God's law. Huldah's presence in the biblical narrative serves as a testament to the active participation of women in the spiritual life of Israel. Her account is a reminder of the diverse ways God has used individuals, regardless of gender, to fulfill His purposes and communicate His will to His people. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary HuldahSmith's Bible Dictionary Huldah(weasel), a prophetess, whose husband, Shallum, was keeper of the wardrobe in the time of King Josiah. It was to her that Josiah had recourse, when Hilkiah found a book of the law, to procure an authoritative opinion on it. (2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 34:22) (B.C. 623.) ATS Bible Dictionary HuldahThe prophetess in the reign of Josiah, consulted respecting the denunciations in the newfound copy of the Book of the Law, 2 Kings 22:14-20 2 Chronicles 34:22-28, B. C. 623. Easton's Bible Dictionary Weasel, a prophetess; the wife of Shallum. She was consulted regarding the "book of the law" discovered by the high priest Hilkiah (2 Kings 22:14-20; 2 Chronicles 34:22-28). She resided in that part of Jerusalem called the Mishneh (A.V., "the college;" R.V., "the second quarter"), supposed by some to be the suburb between the inner and the outer wall, the second or lower city, Akra. Miriam (Exodus 15:20) and Deborah (Judges 4:4) are the only others who bear the title of "prophetess," for the word in Isaiah 8:3 means only the prophet's wife. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HULDAHhul'-da (chuldah, "weasel"; Holda): A prophetess who lived in Jerusalem during the reign of Josiah. She was the wife of Shallum, keeper of the wardrobe, and resided in the "Mishneh" or second part or quarter of Jerusalem (location unknown). Cheyne says it should read, "She was sitting in the upper part of the gate of the Old City," i.e. in a public central place ready to receive any who wished to inquire of Yahweh. He gives no reason for such a change of text. The standing and reputation of Huldah in the city are attested by the fact that she was consulted when the Book of the Law was discovered. The king, high priest, counselors, etc., appealed to her rather than to Jeremiah, and her word was accepted by all as the word of Yahweh (2 Kings 22:14-20 2 Chronicles 34:22-29). Strong's Hebrew 8445. Tovqhath -- father-in-law of Huldah... 8444, 8445. Tovqhath. 8446 . father-in-law of Huldah. Transliteration: Tovqhath Phonetic Spelling: (to-kah'-ath) Short Definition: Tokhath. ... /hebrew/8445.htm - 6k 2468. Chuldah -- an Israelite prophetess Library How Amon Reigned Instead of Manasseh; and after Amon Reigned ... The Rediscovered Law and Its Effects Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed. Josiah and the Newly Found Law The Book of the Law From his Commission to Reside Abroad in 1820 to his Removal to ... Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant. Secret Study of the Holy Scriptures. Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel Appendix 1 Massecheth Middoth Thesaurus Prophetess (8 Occurrences)... It should be noted, however, that women like Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4) and Huldah (2 Kings 22:14) were not credited with the seer's insight ... /p/prophetess.htm - 10k College (2 Occurrences) Ahikam (20 Occurrences) Achbor (7 Occurrences) Shaphan (26 Occurrences) Josiah (51 Occurrences) Shallum (27 Occurrences) Wardrobe (4 Occurrences) Tikvath (1 Occurrence) Tikvah (2 Occurrences) Resources Who was Huldah the prophetess in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prophetess? Does the Bible mention any prophetesses? | GotQuestions.org What was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Huldah (2 Occurrences)2 Kings 22:14 2 Chronicles 34:22 Subtopics Huldah: Foretells the Destruction of Jerusalem Related Terms |
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