Topical Encyclopedia Shallum is a biblical figure recognized primarily as the husband of Huldah, the prophetess, during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. His mention in the Scriptures is brief but significant, as it places him in the context of a pivotal moment in Judah's history.Biblical References: Shallum is mentioned in 2 Kings 22:14 and 2 Chronicles 34:22. In these passages, he is identified as the husband of Huldah, who played a crucial role in the religious reforms initiated by King Josiah. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following account: "So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went 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. And they spoke with her." (2 Kings 22:14) "The men went 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. And they spoke with her." (2 Chronicles 34:22) Historical and Cultural Context: Shallum's role as the "keeper of the wardrobe" suggests a position of responsibility within the royal court, likely overseeing the garments and possibly other aspects of the king's household. This position indicates a level of trust and respect within the royal administration, aligning with the importance of his wife, Huldah, as a prophetess. During King Josiah's reign, a significant religious reform took place, sparked by the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple. Josiah sought to restore the worship of Yahweh and eliminate idolatry from Judah. In this context, Huldah's prophetic voice was sought to confirm the authenticity and implications of the discovered text. Her response, which included a message of impending judgment and a promise of peace during Josiah's reign, was instrumental in shaping the king's reform efforts. Theological Significance: Shallum's mention, though brief, underscores the interconnectedness of various roles within the biblical narrative. His marriage to Huldah highlights the partnership in spiritual and communal leadership, as Huldah's prophetic insight was pivotal during a time of national crisis. The couple's presence in Jerusalem, specifically in the Second District, situates them within the heart of Judah's religious and political life. Shallum's life, as recorded in Scripture, serves as a reminder of the diverse ways individuals contribute to God's unfolding plan. While Huldah's prophetic ministry is more prominently featured, Shallum's supportive role within the royal court and his connection to a key prophetic figure illustrate the multifaceted nature of service in the biblical tradition. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 22:14So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelled in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 34:22 Library The Antiquities of the Jews Appeal to the Christian Women of the South The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Against Jovinianus. Resources Who was King Zechariah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Huldah the prophetess in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Uzziah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Shallum: A Chief Porter of the Temple Shallum: A Jew Who Repaired a Portion of the Wall of Jerusalem Shallum: A Porter Who Put Away (Divorced) his Wife Shallum: A Son of Bani, Who Put Away (Divorced) his Wife Shallum: Son of Zadok: Called Meshullam Shallum: The Ancestor of a Family of Returned Exiles Shallum: The Husband of Huldah, the Prophetess Related Terms |