Prophet
Huldah
The Prophetess of Josiah's Day
c. 640-620 BC
Biography
When Hilkiah the high priest found "the Book of the Law" during the temple renovation under Josiah (likely Deuteronomy or a substantial portion of it), Josiah's officials went to Huldah for prophetic verification. She lived in Jerusalem's Second Quarter. Her oracle confirmed the book as YHWH's word and promised imminent judgment on Jerusalem's idolatry — but not in Josiah's lifetime, because he had humbled himself. Huldah's consultation is remarkable in several respects. She is one of only a handful of prophetesses named in the Hebrew Bible (alongside Miriam, Deborah, and Isaiah's wife). She was consulted by name over and above the contemporary prophets Jeremiah and Zephaniah — suggesting her authoritative standing in Jerusalem. Her verification of the scroll precipitated the most thorough Torah-reform in Judah's history.
So Hilkiah the priest... went to Huldah the prophetess
More key verses
“Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel... Behold, I will bring disaster upon this place”
What they got right, and what they got wrong
Strengths
Authoritative canonical discernment; respected standing in Jerusalem.
Weaknesses
None recorded.
Lessons
Scripture discovery and authentication can trigger national reform. Prophetic authority is not gender-bound.
Spiritual significance
Huldah's authentication of Scripture made possible the Josianic reform. She stands as a model of the woman prophet authoritatively mediating covenant.
Huldah in Scripture
4 verses use this name, in 2 books. Open a book to read its mentions here. Text: Berean Standard Bible. Names repeat in Scripture, some of these verses may speak of another person called Huldah.
Old TestamentNew Testamentsegment width = share of mentions
Old Testament2 books · 4 mentions
2 Kings2 mentions
- 2 Kings 22:14So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went and spoke to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, the keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the Second District.
- 2 Kings 22:15And Huldah said to them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Tell the man who sent you
2 Chronicles2 mentions
- 2 Chronicles 34:22So Hilkiah and those the king had designated went and spoke to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, the keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the Second District.
- 2 Chronicles 34:23And Huldah said to them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Tell the man who sent you
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