Topical Encyclopedia Hilkiah the High PriestHilkiah, the son of Shallum, served as the High Priest during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. His tenure is most notably marked by the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple of the LORD, an event that played a pivotal role in the religious reforms of Josiah. The account of this discovery is detailed in 2 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 34. During the eighteenth year of King Josiah's reign, Hilkiah was entrusted with overseeing the repair of the Temple. It was during this restoration work that Hilkiah found the Book of the Law, which had been neglected and forgotten. He reported this significant find to Shaphan the scribe, saying, "I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD" (2 Kings 22:8). This discovery led to a renewed covenant with the LORD and a nationwide religious reform, as Josiah sought to align the kingdom's practices with the commands found in the rediscovered text. Hilkiah's role extended beyond the discovery; he was instrumental in the subsequent religious revival. He, along with other leaders, consulted the prophetess Huldah to understand the implications of the words found in the Book. Her prophecy confirmed the impending judgment on Judah due to its idolatry but also assured Josiah of peace during his reign because of his humility and repentance (2 Kings 22:14-20). Hilkiah's faithful service and leadership during this critical period underscore his importance in the history of Judah. His actions contributed significantly to one of the most profound religious renewals in the Old Testament narrative. Hilkiah, Father of Jeremiah Another Hilkiah mentioned in the Scriptures is the father of the prophet Jeremiah. This Hilkiah was a priest from Anathoth, a town in the territory of Benjamin. Jeremiah 1:1 introduces him as "Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the land of Benjamin" . While less is known about this Hilkiah compared to the High Priest, his significance lies in his role as the father of one of the major prophets of the Old Testament. Jeremiah, often called the "weeping prophet," was chosen by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah during a tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian exile. The priestly lineage of Hilkiah may have influenced Jeremiah's early life and understanding of the religious and social issues of his time. Though the Bible does not provide extensive details about Hilkiah of Anathoth, his mention as Jeremiah's father places him within the broader narrative of God's dealings with His people through the prophetic ministry. His legacy is carried on through Jeremiah's faithful proclamation of God's word, despite facing significant opposition and personal suffering. In summary, the two priests named Hilkiah played distinct yet significant roles in the spiritual history of Israel and Judah. The High Priest Hilkiah was a key figure in the religious reforms under King Josiah, while Hilkiah of Anathoth is remembered as the father of the prophet Jeremiah, whose ministry profoundly impacted the course of Judah's history. Nave's Topical Index Nehemiah 8:4And Ezra the scribe stood on a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. Nave's Topical Index Nehemiah 12:7,21 Jeremiah 1:1 Library Josiah Josiah and the Newly Found Law The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws The Book of the Law The Release of Hope. (xxiv, xxix. ) The Growth of the Old Testament Prophetic Histories Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon. Reformation Lessons A Prophet who Saved a Great City Deuteronomy Resources What are the keys of death (Revelation 1:18)? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Micaiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org How many prophets are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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