Seeking Wise Counsel: The Example of Huldah the Prophetess
"And Hilkiah, and they that the king had appointed, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college:) and they spake to her to that effect." - 2 Chronicles 34:22
In the annals of Scripture, there are numerous examples of leadership, courage, and divine wisdom intertwined with the lives of men and women who rose to meet the challenges of their time. Our focus today is on 2 Chronicles 34:22, which reads: "And Hilkiah, and they that the king had appointed, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college:) and they spake to her to that effect."
This verse transports us to a crucial moment in the reign of King Josiah of Judah, a young king who ascended to the throne at the tender age of eight. During his reign, he would lead a significant religious reform, rediscover the Book of the Law, and seek to restore the proper worship of Yahweh. When the Book was found in the temple, it brought to light the gravity of the spiritual decline that had enveloped the nation. The need for divine guidance became immediate, prompting the king to seek out the counsel of Huldah, a well-regarded prophetess.
Huldah is a remarkable figure in this narrative. As a woman occupying the role of a prophet during a time when women's voices were often marginalized, Huldah represents strength, wisdom, and authority. She was not just the wife of Shallum; she was a recognized spiritual intermediary, one who could convey God's will to the leaders of the nation.
Her residence in Jerusalem, particularly "in the college," suggests that her home was a place where students of the law and the prophet's words could gather, learn, and discern. This indicates that Huldah was well-versed in the Scriptures, and her faith was not only personal but communal, influencing others in a profound way. Huldah’s prominence is a testament to the fact that God can and does use anyone who is willing to listen and obey Him, regardless of gender or social status.
When Hilkiah and the other appointed officials approached Huldah with the scroll's findings, they were entering a moment of vulnerability and uncertainty. They needed clarity about the crisis of faith and governance they faced. Huldah responded with decisive prophecy, proclaiming the impending judgment upon Judah due to the nation’s sin while simultaneously providing a message of hope for King Josiah's humble and repentant heart. The old adage rings true: "God does not look at outward appearances but at the heart."
This narrative raises several implications for us today. The first is the importance of seeking divine counsel. In times of distress, whether personal or communal, turning to those who have established themselves as bearers of truth is vital. Huldah did not shy away from the responsibility of conveying God’s message, even though it was not the hope-filled answer the leaders might have wished to hear. Her message encouraged not only King Josiah but also the entire nation to recognize their faults and seek true repentance.
Moreover, Huldah's story highlights the need for discernment. The leaders came looking for wisdom during a troubling time; likewise, we are often in need of clear guidance in our own lives. As we face decisions — personal, spiritual, or communal — may we turn to God through prayer and Scripture, seeking the kind of wisdom that transcends human understanding.
In addition, we are reminded that God’s plan often comes through unexpected sources. Huldah was a woman whose voice mattered in an age dominated by male prophets. This calls us to create spaces where every voice can be heard, valued, and utilized for God’s kingdom.
As we meditate on this passage, let us aspire to be like Huldah, willing to speak truth in love, standing firm in faith, and courageous in guiding others toward repentance and restoration. Let us actively seek wisdom and guidance from the Lord and those He places in our lives. In doing so, we will contribute to a culture of faith and integrity, much like the one that King Josiah sought to restore in Israel.
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2 Chronicles 34:22 Artwork
2 Chronicles 34:22 - "And Hilkiah, and they that the king had appointed, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college:) and they spake to her to that effect."
"And Hilkiah, and they that the king had appointed, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college:) and they spake to her to that effect." - 2 Chronicles 34:22
2 Chronicles 34:19
2 Chronicles 34:19
2 Chronicles 34:29 - "¶ Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem."
2 Chronicles 34:5 - "And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem."
2 Chronicles 36:22
2 Chronicles 4:22
2 Chronicles 34:19 - "And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes."
1 Chronicles 2:34 - "¶ Now Sheshan had no sons, but daughters. And Sheshan had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Jarha."
2 Chronicles 34:2 - "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left."
2 Chronicles 34:17 - "And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the LORD, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the workmen."
2 Samuel 22:34 - "He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places."
2 Chronicles 34:6 - "And so did he in the cities of Manasseh, and Ephraim, and Simeon, even unto Naphtali, with their mattocks round about."
2 Chronicles 34:1 - "Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years."
2 Chronicles 34:23 - "¶ And she answered them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell ye the man that sent you to me,"
2 Chronicles 34:10 - "And they put it in the hand of the workmen that had the oversight of the house of the LORD, and they gave it to the workmen that wrought in the house of the LORD, to repair and amend the house:"
2 Chronicles 34:14 - "¶ And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the LORD given by Moses."
2 Chronicles 34:18 - "Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king."
2 Kings 10:34 - "Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and all his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Chronicles 34:20 - "And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king's, saying,"
2 Chronicles 34:16 - "And Shaphan carried the book to the king, and brought the king word back again, saying, All that was committed to thy servants, they do it."
2 Chronicles 34:11 - "Even to the artificers and builders gave they it, to buy hewn stone, and timber for couplings, and to floor the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed."
2 Chronicles 34:15 - "And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan."
2 Chronicles 34:32 - "And he caused all that were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers."
2 Chronicles 20:34 - "Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel."
2 Chronicles 9:22 - "And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom."
2 Chronicles 34:13 - "Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and were overseers of all that wrought the work in any manner of service: and of the Levites there were scribes, and officers, and porters."
2 Chronicles 25:22 - "And Judah was put to the worse before Israel, and they fled every man to his tent."
1 Chronicles 2:22 - "And Segub begat Jair, who had three and twenty cities in the land of Gilead."