Topical Encyclopedia 1. Hilkiah the High PriestHilkiah, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, served as the High Priest during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. His account is primarily recorded in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Hilkiah is best known for his pivotal role in the religious reforms initiated by King Josiah, which were aimed at purifying the worship practices of Judah and restoring adherence to the Mosaic Law. The most significant event associated with Hilkiah is the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple of the LORD. According to 2 Kings 22:8 , "Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, 'I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD.' And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, who read it." This discovery led to a national religious revival, as King Josiah, upon hearing the words of the Law, tore his clothes in repentance and initiated a covenant renewal ceremony (2 Kings 23:1-3). Hilkiah's role in this spiritual awakening underscores his faithfulness and dedication to the LORD. He was instrumental in the removal of idolatrous practices and the restoration of proper worship, as detailed in 2 Kings 23. His actions contributed significantly to one of the most profound religious reforms in the history of Judah. 2. Hilkiah the Ancestor of Ezra Another Levite named Hilkiah is mentioned in the genealogical records of Ezra, the scribe and priest who played a crucial role in the post-exilic restoration of Jerusalem and the Jewish community. This Hilkiah is identified as an ancestor of Ezra in the book of Ezra 7:1 : "After these things, during the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah..." While this Hilkiah does not have a detailed narrative like the High Priest Hilkiah, his inclusion in the genealogy of Ezra highlights the continuity of the priestly line and the importance of maintaining a faithful lineage dedicated to the service of the LORD. Ezra's lineage, tracing back to Hilkiah, underscores the enduring legacy of the Levitical priesthood and its role in guiding the spiritual life of the Israelite community. In summary, the name Hilkiah is associated with two Levites who played significant roles in the religious history of Israel. The first Hilkiah, as High Priest, was instrumental in the religious reforms of King Josiah, while the second Hilkiah is noted as an ancestor of Ezra, linking him to the post-exilic restoration efforts. Both figures exemplify the enduring commitment to the covenant and the spiritual leadership of the Levitical priesthood. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 6:45The son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah, Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 26:11 Library Reading the Law with Tears and Joy Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon. The Book of the Law The Earlier Hebrew Histories. Prayer and the House of God Deuteronomy Authorship of the Pentateuch. Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ... Resources Who was King Josiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Huldah the prophetess in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Amon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |