2 Chronicles 34:22 – “Hilkiah and those the king had sent with him went to speak to the prophet Huldah, who was the wife of Shallum son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the New Quarter.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, King Josiah’s officials, including Hilkiah the high priest, go to inquire of the Lord through the prophet Huldah. After the Book of the Law was discovered and read to Josiah, he was deeply troubled and wanted to know what God had to say about the nation’s disobedience. Instead of relying solely on his own understanding, Josiah sought prophetic guidance. Huldah, a recognized prophetess, provided spiritual insight and a word from the Lord. This highlights that even in ancient Israel, God spoke through both men and women to deliver His messages.
The officials went to Huldah because they knew she could provide clarity on God’s intentions, particularly regarding the judgment Josiah feared. This inquiry shows that Josiah was committed to finding out what actions were necessary to avert God’s anger and to seek His mercy.
Historical Context
King Josiah ruled during a time of spiritual decline. The people of Judah had fallen into idol worship under previous kings, and the temple had been neglected. When the Book of the Law was discovered, Josiah realized how far the nation had strayed from God’s commandments. Josiah’s reforms included repairing the temple and restoring the proper worship of God.
Huldah was one of the few female prophets mentioned in the Old Testament. She lived during a period when many male prophets, like Jeremiah and Zephaniah, were also active. The fact that Josiah’s officials sought Huldah’s counsel shows that she was highly regarded as a prophet of God. Her message to them would play a crucial role in shaping Josiah’s reforms and the nation’s response to the Law.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that seeking God’s guidance through His messengers is essential when facing uncertainty or judgment. Josiah’s decision to consult Huldah demonstrates his humility and desire to know God’s will. It also shows that God uses a variety of people, including women, to speak His truth and guide His people. Huldah’s role as a prophetess highlights the fact that God’s Word is not restricted by gender or social status.
Theologically, the verse also emphasizes the importance of seeking confirmation of God’s Word. Josiah didn’t just assume what should be done based on his reading of the Law; he sought further clarification through a recognized prophet. This shows that discerning God’s will sometimes requires seeking wise counsel from others whom God has called and equipped.
Literary Analysis
The verse is descriptive, detailing the journey of Hilkiah and the other officials to seek Huldah’s counsel. The mention of Huldah’s lineage and her residence in Jerusalem adds a historical grounding to the narrative, giving readers a sense of the real people involved in this spiritual inquiry. The fact that Huldah was sought out specifically shows the respect and authority she held as a prophet.
The phrase “those the king had sent with him” highlights the delegation of authority from Josiah. He trusted his officials to carry out this important task, and they, in turn, trusted Huldah’s ability to deliver God’s message.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 2 Kings 22:14: This parallel account also mentions Huldah’s role in delivering God’s message to Josiah’s officials, showing her significance in this event.
- Judges 4:4: “Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.” Like Huldah, Deborah was a woman used by God to provide leadership and spiritual guidance.
- Acts 21:9: This verse mentions Philip’s daughters, who prophesied, showing that God continued to use women in prophetic roles even in the New Testament.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse teaches us the importance of seeking God’s guidance when we are unsure of how to proceed, especially in times of spiritual crisis. Josiah’s example shows that even when we feel convicted by God’s Word, it’s wise to seek godly counsel to help us understand what steps we should take. This could involve talking to spiritual leaders, mentors, or others who have a deep understanding of God’s Word.
This verse also encourages us to value the different people God uses to speak into our lives. Just as Josiah’s officials sought wisdom from Huldah, we should be open to hearing God’s voice through various channels—whether it’s through Scripture, trusted friends, or teachers in the church.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in this passage through His willingness to communicate with His people. Even though Judah had been unfaithful, God did not leave them in the dark. Instead, He spoke through Huldah to give them clear guidance on what they needed to do. This shows that God is patient and desires to bring His people back into alignment with His will, even after a period of disobedience.
God’s love is also seen in His use of diverse voices to deliver His message. By choosing Huldah to speak on His behalf, God demonstrates that He values the gifts and roles of all His people, regardless of gender or status. He provides guidance through those who are faithful to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Huldah’s role as a prophetess who delivers God’s message points forward to the ultimate role of Jesus Christ as the Word of God. While Huldah provided clarity and guidance to Josiah’s officials, Jesus came as the full revelation of God’s will. Jesus is the final and perfect prophet who not only speaks for God but embodies the Word of God. In Christ, we have direct access to God’s wisdom, guidance, and truth.
Furthermore, just as Josiah sought out the wisdom of Huldah to understand the Law, we are called to seek Jesus to understand how to live according to God’s will. Jesus fulfilled the Law and offers us the grace and wisdom we need to follow Him faithfully.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How often do you seek godly counsel when you’re facing a difficult decision or feel convicted by God’s Word?
- What can you learn from Josiah’s humility in seeking guidance from Huldah, and how can that shape your approach to spiritual decisions?
- How does this verse challenge you to recognize and respect the different ways God might speak into your life, whether through Scripture, other people, or spiritual leaders?
- In what ways does this verse show God’s love and patience in providing guidance to His people, even when they have strayed from Him?
- How does Huldah’s role as a prophetess point you to Jesus, who is the ultimate revelation of God’s will and truth?
This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s guidance in all areas of life and being open to the various ways He might choose to speak. Through the example of Josiah, we learn that God is always willing to guide those who seek Him with humility and a sincere heart. Ultimately, this passage points us to Jesus, who is the perfect source of wisdom and the full revelation of God’s truth.