Huldah (640 to 564 BC) is a unique prophet as she is the only female prophet, whose prophecies have been recorded in the bible. (II Kings 22:13-20; II Chronicles 34:22-28) Huldah was married to Shallum, son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas. As keeper of the Royal Wardrobe, he had daily access to the king and met him in privacy.
Discovery: The Book of Law was found in the Temple of Jerusalem. Probably it was hidden to save it from wicked kings and invaders who would burn it. Hilkiah went and reported the matter to King Josiah. Scholars believe the discovered scroll to be the Book of Deuteronomy. Probably, King Josiah read the passage from it. (Deuteronomy 28:16)
High-level delegation: Though Jeremiah and Zephaniah were contemporaries of Huldah, Josiah preferred to send a delegation to her. (Jeremiah 1:2; Zephaniah 1:1) The delegation included the High Priest. Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant. The high-profile dignitaries sent by the king indicate her spiritual, social standing.
God’s servant: Huldah was called, chosen, anointed, and appointed by God as a prophet. It was a difficult historical context. As she knew her call and authority, she said to the delegation: “Tell the man who sent you to me.” (II Kings 22:15) Huldah declared: This is what Lord says at least thrice. (II Chronicles 34:23,24,26)
Knowledge of the Law: Huldah the name means weasel or ‘a burrowing animal’. Scholars burrow by searching the huge wealth of knowledge/wisdom. Huldah was familiar with all the words of the book. When Huldah spoke to the delegation, she quoted at least six verses from the Law of Moses. It shows her knowledge, memory and understanding of the Law of Moses. (Deuteronomy 29: 20,23,25,26,28,29)
Contribution to Israel: Her teaching and prophecy transformed King Josiah and the whole nation. There was no godly like him. (II Kings 23:25)
Tomb of Huldah: Huldah was buried in Jerusalem. Like descendants of David, her grave is in Jerusalem and not disturbed.
Do we encourage leaders like Huldah in our families and churches?