Huldah

It’s interesting that when Huldah is mentioned in the Bible, she is introduced first as a prophetess and then as Shallum’s wife. Her relationship and ministry to God clearly took precedence over her marriage. It was the same for Deborah who was a judge of Israel and a prophetess (Judges 4:4) Huldah’s husband was the grandson of the keeper of the wardrobe. Huldah lived in Jerusalem, in the Second Quarter. The Second Quarter lay in an angle formed by the W wall of the Temple and the ancient N Wall of the city, and was later included within the wall built by Nehemiah.

We met Huldah after the Hilkiah, the priest found the Book of the Law given by Moses. It was read to the king by Shaphan, the scribe. When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes and commanded Hilkiah, Shaphan and others to inquire of the Lord for him and for those left in Israel and Judah concerning the words of the book which was found. He feared the wrath of the Lord which would be poured out on them because their fathers didn’t keep the Word of the Lord, to do all that was written in the book.

The men went to Huldah and told her of the king’s request. And she answered them, saying, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘Tell the man who sent you to Me, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will bring calamity on this place and on its inhabitants, all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah, because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands. Therefore My wrath will be poured out on this place, and not be quenched.’ ” ’ But as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, in this manner you shall speak to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel: “Concerning the words which you have heard— because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the Lord. “Surely I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace; and your eyes shall not see all the calamity which I will bring on this place and its inhabitants.”

The men returned to the king and told him what the Lord had said through Huldah. We don’t hear anything else about Huldah. She is mentioned only twice in the Bible–in second books of Kings and Chronicles. We don’t know how old she was when she was called to be a prophetess or if she prophesied after this. It is encouraging to see that God uses those who are willing to serve him, regardless of gender and age. Anna, an eighty-four year old was a widow was a prophetess. Both Samuel and Jeremiah were young when they were called to their respective ministries.

Sources: Biblica; Bible Gateway;