Scriptural text: 2 Kings 22
Josiah’s Delegation to the Prophetess Huldah (2 Kings 22:14). Huldah was the wife of Shallum, the wardrobe keeper (either of priestly vestments or royal robes). She lived in Jerusalem, in what was called the second district. Apparently, this was in a lower or southern section of Jerusalem. She was consulted on behalf of King Josiah, by Hilkiah the chief priest, Shaphan the scribe and the others, following the discovery of “the book of the law in the house of the LORD” (2 Kings 22:8). Although it is only recorded a few times, God spoke through prophetesses prominently. Huldah accepted the book as the Word of Yahweh, and with His authority prophesied judgment against Jerusalem and Judah after Josiah’s death. It is noteworthy that, although both Jeremiah and Zephaniah were prophesying at this time, it is she who was approached on this matter.
Huldah’s Answer and Prophecy (2 Kings 22:15-17). When Hilkiah, Ahikam, Shaphan, and Asaiah arrived at Huldah’s, she gives them a message from the Lord God of Israel to take back to Josiah. However, the message was not an encouraging one. As Josiah had anticipated, Huldah’s prophecy was that of judgment. Jerusalem and its inhabitants would taste evil days, even as the Book of the Law prescribed. The reason for this impending judgment was clear. The Lord God would not tolerate open violations of the Law. Huldah told the king’s men that God would bring disaster on the land and the people because they had forsaken him.
Huldah’s Prophetic Promise to Josiah ( 2 Kings 22:18-20). The prophetess speaks another word to the messengers for the king (v.18). Josiah would experience God’s mercy and grace because he humbled himself before the Lord and had a tender heart. Josiah humbled himself when he tore his clothes and wept (v.11) over what he read in the book of the Law. In God’s tender mercies, He indicated through Huldah, King Josiah himself would die before these days of horror appeared. Indeed, Josiah’s death occurred in 609 BC, four years before Nebuchadnezzar attacked Jerusalem.