In brief
Huldah is a prophetess who lived in Jerusalem during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. When the book of the law was found in the house of the Lord, the king, deeply shaken, sent men to consult her. She answered in the name of the Lord: the disasters announced would come upon Jerusalem, but Josiah, who had humbled himself, would die in peace. She is remembered for a faithful word, without compromise and yet full of mercy for the one who repents.
What does the name Huldah mean?
Huldah is a Hebrew name generally linked to the weasel or the mole, a small animal. The Bible gives no explanation of this name, and this link remains a cautious hypothesis.
The story of Huldah
A king who repairs the temple
2 Kings 22:1-7Josiah became king at the age of eight and did what is right in the eyes of the Lord. In the eighteenth year of his reign, he sent Shaphan the secretary to the high priest Hilkiah so that the money would be given to the workmen repairing the house of the Lord. They were not asked for an accounting, because they acted with integrity.
The discovery of the book of the law
2 Kings 22:8-13Hilkiah tells Shaphan that he has found the book of the law in the house of the Lord, and Shaphan reads it to the king. Josiah tears his clothes. He orders that the Lord be consulted for him, the people and all Judah, because the anger of the Lord is great: their fathers did not obey what is written there.
The envoys go to Huldah
2 Kings 22:14The priest Hilkiah, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan and Asaiah went to the prophetess Huldah, wife of Shallum, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the Second Quarter. The text does not say why they consult her, but shows that her word was recognized as coming from the Lord.
A judgment announced
2 Kings 22:15-17Huldah tells them: thus says the Lord, the God of Israel. She announces that the Lord will bring disaster on this place and its inhabitants, according to all the words of the book the king has read. They have forsaken him and burned incense to other gods, and his anger will not be quenched.
A promise for Josiah
2 Kings 22:18-20Huldah also gives the king a personal message: because his heart was moved and he humbled himself before the Lord on hearing the words of the book, the Lord has heard him. The judgment will not come in his lifetime. Josiah will be buried in peace, without seeing the disasters. He responds by renewing the covenant with the Lord.
What Huldah teaches us
- God speaks through whom he wills: a woman is recognized as a prophetess in Jerusalem, to the point that the king consults her.
- The rediscovered Word of God calls for a concrete response: Josiah tears his clothes and seeks the Lord.
- A message from God must be passed on as it is, without softening it, even when it announces judgment.
- Humility before the Word touches the heart of God: Josiah is heard because he humbled himself.
- God is just and merciful: he keeps his word of judgment, but takes into account the one who repents.
Key verses
Hilkiah and the king's envoys go to the prophetess Huldah, wife of Shallum, who lives in Jerusalem. She is the one the king consults about the book that was found.
Huldah announces the judgment: the people have forsaken the Lord and burned incense to other gods, and his anger is kindled against this place.
Chronicles tells again of the visit to the prophetess Huldah, wife of Shallum. The double witness underlines the importance of this consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Huldah in the Bible?
Huldah was a prophetess who lived in Jerusalem and whom King Josiah had consulted after the discovery of the book of the law. She announced the Lord's judgment on the people, and promised Josiah that he would not see the disasters in his lifetime.
What does the name Huldah mean?
Huldah is generally linked to the weasel or the mole. The Bible does not explain this name, so this meaning remains a hypothesis. The name belongs to a woman whose word, according to the text, is that of the Lord himself.
Where can I find the story of Huldah in the Bible?
The story of Huldah is found in the second book of Kings, chapter 22, verses 14 to 20. It is taken up in the second book of Chronicles, chapter 34, verses 22 to 28, with a few differences of detail.