2 Kings 22:14 – “Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Akbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to speak to the prophet Huldah, who was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the New Quarter.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, a group of leaders, led by Hilkiah the priest, is sent by King Josiah to consult the prophetess Huldah after the discovery of the Book of the Law. Josiah had been deeply moved by the reading of the Law, recognizing the nation’s disobedience and fearing God’s judgment. He wanted to understand more clearly what would happen next and how the nation should respond. The leaders go to Huldah, who was a prophetess living in Jerusalem, showing that she held a respected and significant position as someone who spoke on behalf of God. This verse highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of national and spiritual crisis.
Historical Context
This event takes place during the reign of King Josiah, a time when Judah was in spiritual decline due to generations of idol worship and neglect of God’s commands. The rediscovery of the Book of the Law, likely a portion of Deuteronomy, was a pivotal moment for the nation. It exposed how far the people had strayed from God’s covenant. In response, Josiah initiated sweeping reforms to restore proper worship, starting with seeking God’s direction. Huldah, as a prophetess, was one of the few women in the Bible recognized for her role in delivering God’s message. Consulting a prophet was a common practice when leaders sought to understand God’s will, especially in times of uncertainty or fear of judgment.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse illustrates the principle of seeking God’s guidance through those He has appointed to speak His truth. Josiah’s actions show the importance of humility and reliance on divine wisdom when confronting spiritual realities. The decision to consult Huldah demonstrates the recognition that God’s Word, whether through Scripture or His prophets, holds the ultimate authority. This moment also reinforces that God uses both men and women in His plans, as Huldah’s role as a prophetess is pivotal in delivering a message of judgment and hope.
Literary Analysis
The verse introduces Huldah as a prophetess, a rare title for a woman in Scripture. Her mention, along with details about her lineage and residence in the “New Quarter,” gives credibility and historical context to her role. This part of the narrative builds suspense, as the reader knows that the delegation is about to hear from God through Huldah. The verse emphasizes the seriousness of the moment, as the leaders are not just casually seeking advice but are desperate to know how to respond to the nation’s disobedience. The detailed naming of the individuals involved adds to the weight of the event, showing that this was a formal and deliberate act of seeking God’s will.
Biblical Cross-References
- 2 Chronicles 34:22 – This parallel account of the event highlights Huldah’s role and reiterates the same details about the consultation.
- Judges 4:4 – Deborah, another woman prophet and judge in Israel’s history, shows that women were sometimes appointed by God to speak His truth and lead His people.
- Amos 3:7 – “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.” This verse affirms the role of prophets in revealing God’s will, as seen in Huldah’s prophetic ministry.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christians, this verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance, especially when facing critical decisions or spiritual challenges. Just as Josiah sought wisdom from God through Huldah, we are called to seek God’s direction in our own lives through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel. It also reminds us that God can use anyone to speak His truth, regardless of gender or position in society, as long as they are faithful to His calling. This encourages Christians to be open to hearing from God through unexpected sources and to remain humble in seeking divine guidance.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in this verse by His willingness to provide guidance and truth in times of need. Even though Judah had strayed far from God’s commands, He did not leave them in the dark. By speaking through Huldah, God provided clarity and direction for the nation. His love is evident in His desire to communicate with His people, even when they face judgment, offering them a way to understand His will and seek restoration. This shows that God’s love is not only about blessings but also about correction and guidance.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in how it illustrates God’s desire to reveal His will to His people. In John 1:14, Jesus is described as the Word made flesh, the ultimate revelation of God’s truth and will for humanity. Just as Huldah spoke God’s message to Josiah and the nation of Judah, Jesus came to speak and embody the fullness of God’s message to the world. Jesus is the ultimate prophet, priest, and king, who not only reveals God’s will but also provides the way for humanity to be reconciled to God through His life, death, and resurrection.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can we cultivate a posture of seeking God’s guidance in our daily lives, much like Josiah did in this moment of national crisis?
- In what ways might God be using unexpected people or circumstances to speak His truth to us today, and how can we be more open to hearing from Him?
- How does the example of Huldah remind us of God’s willingness to provide direction in times of confusion, and how does this point us to the ultimate revelation of God’s will through Jesus Christ?