2 Chronicles 34:22

So 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.

Study Bible

So Hilkiah
Hilkiah, the high priest, plays a pivotal role in the religious reforms of King Josiah. His name in Hebrew, חִלְקִיָּהוּ (Chilqiyyahu), means "my portion is Yahweh," reflecting a life dedicated to God. As a high priest, Hilkiah's actions are crucial in the rediscovery of the Book of the Law, symbolizing a return to divine truth and covenant faithfulness.

and those the king had sent with him
This phrase indicates a delegation, emphasizing the importance of the mission. King Josiah, a reformer king, sends trusted officials, showing his commitment to seeking divine guidance. This reflects the biblical principle of seeking wise counsel and the importance of community in discerning God's will.

went to Huldah the prophetess
Huldah, whose name means "weasel" in Hebrew, is one of the few female prophets mentioned in the Bible. Her role underscores the inclusivity of God's call, transcending gender norms of the time. Huldah's presence in the narrative highlights the importance of prophetic voices in guiding the nation back to covenant faithfulness.

the wife of Shallum son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah
This genealogical detail situates Huldah within a specific family lineage, emphasizing the historical and communal context of her prophetic ministry. It also reflects the biblical tradition of identifying individuals through family connections, underscoring the importance of heritage and legacy in biblical narratives.

the keeper of the wardrobe
This role, likely associated with the temple or royal garments, indicates a position of responsibility and trust. It suggests that Huldah's family was well-integrated into the religious and social fabric of Jerusalem, providing her with a platform for her prophetic ministry.

She lived in Jerusalem, in the Second District
The mention of the Second District, or Mishneh, situates Huldah geographically within Jerusalem, the spiritual and political heart of Israel. This location underscores the accessibility and centrality of her prophetic voice in the nation's life, symbolizing the availability of God's guidance to those who seek it earnestly.

And they spoke to her about this
This phrase indicates the delegation's purpose: to seek divine insight regarding the Book of the Law found in the temple. It highlights the biblical principle of seeking God's wisdom through His appointed messengers. The act of consulting Huldah demonstrates humility and a desire for alignment with God's will, serving as an inspirational model for believers to seek divine guidance in times of uncertainty.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hilkiah
The high priest during the reign of King Josiah, responsible for discovering the Book of the Law in the temple.

2. Huldah the Prophetess
A respected prophetess in Jerusalem, consulted by King Josiah's officials for divine guidance.

3. Shallum
Huldah's husband, identified as the son of Tokhath and the keeper of the wardrobe.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, where Huldah resided, specifically in the Second District.

5. The Second District
A specific area within Jerusalem, indicating Huldah's place of residence.

Teaching Points

The Role of Women in Ministry
Huldah's position as a prophetess demonstrates that God uses women in significant roles within His kingdom. Her wisdom and insight were sought by the highest authorities, showing that spiritual gifts are not limited by gender.

Seeking Godly Counsel
King Josiah's officials sought Huldah's counsel, emphasizing the importance of seeking godly wisdom and guidance in times of decision-making. This teaches us to value and seek out those who are spiritually mature and wise.

The Importance of Location and Community
Huldah's residence in the Second District of Jerusalem suggests the importance of being strategically placed within a community to serve God's purposes. Our location can be a mission field where God uses us to impact others.

The Power of God's Word
The discovery of the Book of the Law and the subsequent consultation with Huldah highlight the transformative power of God's Word. It calls us to rediscover and apply Scripture in our lives, leading to personal and communal renewal.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Huldah's role as a prophetess teach us about the inclusion of women in spiritual leadership within the church today?

2. How can we identify and seek out godly counsel in our own lives, and what characteristics should we look for in those we consult?

3. In what ways does our physical location or community influence our ability to serve God, and how can we be more intentional about our presence in our communities?

4. How does the rediscovery of God's Word in 2 Chronicles 34 inspire us to engage with Scripture in our daily lives?

5. What other biblical figures can you think of who, like Huldah, played a pivotal role in God's plan, and what can we learn from their accounts?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 22:14-20
This passage parallels the account in 2 Chronicles 34, providing additional context about Huldah's prophecy and the reforms of King Josiah.

Acts 21:9
This verse mentions the daughters of Philip who prophesied, highlighting the role of women in prophetic ministry, similar to Huldah.

Proverbs 31:10-31
The description of a virtuous woman can be seen in Huldah's respected position and wisdom, reflecting the qualities of a godly woman.