2 Chronicles 34:22

KJV

And Hilkiah, and [they] that the king [had appointed], went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college:) and they spake to her to that [effect].

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hilkiah {H2518}, and they that the king {H4428} had appointed, went {H3212} to Huldah {H2468} the prophetess {H5031}, the wife {H802} of Shallum {H7967} the son {H1121} of Tikvath {H8616}{H8445}, the son {H1121} of Hasrah {H2641}, keeper {H8104} of the wardrobe {H899};(now she dwelt {H3427} in Jerusalem {H3389} in the college {H4932}:) and they spake {H1696} to her to that effect.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Hilkiyahu and those the king had ordered went to Huldah the prophet, the wife of Shalum the son of Tok'hat, the son of Hasrat, keeper of the wardrobe - she lived in the Second Quarter of Yerushalayim - and spoke with her about this.

Berean Standard Bible

So Hilkiah and those the king had designated went and spoke to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, the keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the Second District.

American Standard Version

So Hilkiah, and they whom the kinghad commanded, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the second quarter); and they spake to her to that effect.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the profound discovery of the Book of the Law during the Temple's restoration, King Josiah, deeply convicted by its pronouncements of judgment, dispatched a delegation of his most trusted officials—including High Priest Hilkiah—to seek divine counsel. This pivotal verse details their journey to Huldah the prophetess, a woman of recognized spiritual authority residing in Jerusalem's "second quarter," indicating the king's urgent and humble desire to ascertain the Lord's will concerning Judah's spiritual state and the implications of the rediscovered divine revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of King Josiah's reign, specifically within the account of his sweeping religious reforms. Immediately preceding it, [2 Chronicles 34:14-18](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14-18 - Discovery of the Book of the Law") describes the discovery of the Book of the Law by Hilkiah the high priest during the Temple repairs. [2 Chronicles 34:19](/2_chronicles/34-19 "2 Chronicles 34:19 - Josiah's Reaction to the Law") then vividly portrays Josiah's profound reaction: tearing his clothes in grief and repentance upon hearing the Law's words, realizing the depth of Judah's apostasy and the impending divine wrath. His immediate response, as stated in [2 Chronicles 34:21](/2_chronicles/34-21 "2 Chronicles 34:21 - Josiah Seeks Counsel"), is to send Hilkiah and other high-ranking officials to "inquire of the Lord for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found." This verse, [2 Chronicles 34:22](/2_chronicles/34-22 "2 Chronicles 34:22 - Delegation Sent to Huldah"), records the execution of that command, specifying the chosen prophetess and her location, setting the stage for the divine pronouncement that follows in [2 Chronicles 34:23-28](/2_chronicles/34-23 "2 Chronicles 34:23-28 - Huldah's Prophecy").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah reigned from 640-609 BC, a period marked by the decline of the Assyrian Empire, which had long exerted control over Judah. This decline created a window of opportunity for Judah to reassert its independence and, more importantly, to return to Yahwistic worship. Josiah, unlike many of his predecessors (e.g., [Manasseh in 2 Chronicles 33](/2_chronicles/33 "2 Chronicles 33 - Manasseh's Reign")), was a righteous king who began his reforms early in his reign ([2 Chronicles 34:3](/2_chronicles/34-3 "2 Chronicles 34:3 - Josiah's Early Reforms")). The discovery of the Book of the Law (widely believed to be a significant portion of Deuteronomy) occurred in the eighteenth year of his reign, providing a definitive divine standard against which Judah's practices were measured. In ancient Israel, prophets and prophetesses served as direct conduits for God's word, offering guidance, rebuke, and comfort. The fact that Hilkiah and the king's men sought out Huldah, a woman, despite the presence of prominent male prophets like Jeremiah and Zephaniah at the time, underscores her recognized spiritual authority and the cultural acceptance of women in prophetic roles within Israelite society. Her dwelling "in the college" or "second quarter" of Jerusalem suggests she was a known and accessible figure, not operating in obscurity.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles "The Book of 2 Chronicles"). Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Seeking Divine Counsel**, demonstrating Josiah's exemplary humility and wisdom in prioritizing God's word when faced with a national crisis. His immediate and urgent inquiry underscores the belief that true reform must be rooted in divine revelation. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **God's Sovereignty in Choosing His Messengers**. The selection of Huldah, a woman, over other prominent male prophets, emphasizes that God's Spirit is not limited by human conventions, gender, or social standing, but empowers whomever He wills to deliver His truth. This echoes the broader biblical principle that God often uses the humble to confound the wise ([1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Lowly")). Thirdly, the entire episode, culminating in this consultation, reinforces the **Authority and Transformative Power of God's Word**. The rediscovered Law sparked a national spiritual awakening, and the delegation's visit to Huldah was to fully grasp its implications, demonstrating their reverence for divine revelation and their commitment to understanding and obeying God's commands, leading to widespread repentance and reform throughout Judah, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 34:29-33](/2_chronicles/34-29 "2 Chronicles 34:29-33 - Josiah's Covenant Renewal").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophetess (Hebrew, _nᵊḇîʾâ_):** This term denotes a female individual who speaks for God, serving as a divinely inspired messenger. Huldah's designation as a "prophetess" signifies her direct connection to the divine will and her recognized authority to deliver God's oracles. Her inclusion in this critical moment underscores the fact that God used both men and women to convey His messages in ancient Israel, as seen with Miriam ([Exodus 15:20](/exodus/15-20 "Exodus 15:20 - Miriam the Prophetess")) and Deborah ([Judges 4:4](/judges/4-4 "Judges 4:4 - Deborah the Prophetess")).
* **College (Hebrew, _mishneh_):** The KJV translation "college" can be misleading, suggesting an academic institution. The Hebrew _mishneh_ more accurately refers to the "second quarter" or "second part" of Jerusalem. This likely indicates a specific, well-known district or suburb of the city, perhaps a newer development or a distinct administrative area. It signifies Huldah's established residence within a recognized part of the city, lending credibility to her accessibility and standing within the community, rather than implying a formal school of prophets.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hilkiah, and they that the king had appointed, went to Huldah the prophetess":** This clause details the composition and destination of the royal delegation. Hilkiah, the high priest and discoverer of the Law, leads the group, accompanied by other officials appointed by King Josiah. Their journey to Huldah signifies the king's profound humility and earnest desire for divine guidance, prioritizing God's word above all else. The choice of Huldah, a prophetess, highlights God's sovereign choice of messengers, irrespective of gender or conventional expectations.
* **"the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe":** This parenthetical detail provides Huldah's lineage and her husband's occupation. Shallum's role as "keeper of the wardrobe" suggests a position of some responsibility within the royal administration, though not necessarily one of high political power. This detail grounds Huldah within the social fabric of Jerusalem, indicating she was not an obscure or isolated figure, but part of a recognized household, further validating the delegation's choice to consult her.
* **"(now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college:) and they spake to her to that effect.":** This final part clarifies Huldah's residence and the purpose of the visit. Her dwelling in "the college" (the "second quarter" of Jerusalem) confirms her accessibility and known location. The phrase "to that effect" indicates that the delegation presented their urgent inquiry regarding the recently discovered Book of the Law and its implications for Judah, seeking a direct word from the Lord through her prophetic office.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Chronicles 34:22 employs several subtle literary devices. There is a notable element of **Irony** in the fact that amidst a time when prominent male prophets like Jeremiah and Zephaniah were active, it is Huldah, a relatively lesser-known prophetess, who is consulted by the highest authorities of the land. This subtly underscores God's freedom to use whomever He chooses, often confounding human expectations. The detailed genealogical information about Huldah's husband, Shallum, "the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe," serves as a form of **Authentication**, lending credibility and historical grounding to her identity and the legitimacy of the encounter. It roots the divine encounter in a concrete, verifiable human context. Furthermore, the very act of seeking a prophetic word after the discovery of the Law acts as a **Catalyst** within the narrative, setting in motion the full scope of Josiah's reforms and the national covenant renewal, highlighting the immediate and transformative power of divine revelation when humbly received.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The consultation with Huldah in 2 Chronicles 34:22 is a profound testament to the necessity of seeking divine counsel, especially when confronted with the gravity of God's Word. Josiah's immediate and humble response to the rediscovered Law—sending a high-level delegation to inquire of the Lord—models a posture of genuine repentance and a deep reverence for God's authority. This event underscores that understanding and obeying God's commands requires not just intellectual apprehension but also spiritual discernment, often mediated through those gifted with prophetic insight. It also powerfully illustrates God's impartiality in choosing His messengers, demonstrating that His Spirit empowers individuals regardless of societal status or gender, provided they are faithful vessels for His truth. The emphasis on Huldah's role reinforces the biblical precedent of women serving in significant spiritual capacities.

* [2 Kings 22:14](/2_kings/22-14 "2 Kings 22:14 - Parallel Account of Huldah's Consultation")
* [Judges 4:4](/judges/4-4 "Judges 4:4 - Deborah the Prophetess")
* [Acts 2:17-18](/acts/2-17 "Acts 2:17-18 - Peter's Sermon on Prophecy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Hilkiah and the king's officials seeking Huldah's counsel offers timeless lessons for believers today. When we encounter the truth of God's Word, particularly passages that expose our sin or highlight societal disobedience, our response should mirror Josiah's: one of profound humility, conviction, and an earnest desire to understand and align with God's will. This involves not only personal reflection and prayer but also, at times, seeking wise, Spirit-led counsel from trusted spiritual leaders. The fact that God used Huldah, a woman, as His mouthpiece reminds us that God is sovereign in His choice of messengers; we must be open to hearing His voice through diverse channels, recognizing that His truth transcends human expectations or biases. Our ultimate aim, like Josiah's, should be to fully grasp the implications of God's revelation and to commit ourselves wholeheartedly to obedience, leading to personal and communal transformation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when God's Word convicts me of sin or reveals areas of disobedience in my life or community?**
* **In what ways do I actively seek divine counsel and wisdom when faced with significant decisions or spiritual crises?**
* **Am I open to receiving God's truth from unexpected sources or individuals whom society might overlook?**

### FAQ
**Why did Josiah send to Huldah the prophetess instead of Jeremiah or Zephaniah, who were also prophets at the time?**

Answer: The biblical text does not explicitly state Josiah's reasoning, but several factors are commonly proposed. Firstly, Huldah's residence "in the college" (or "second quarter") of Jerusalem suggests she was readily accessible within the capital city, perhaps more so than Jeremiah, who was from Anathoth (a village outside Jerusalem), or Zephaniah, whose precise location is not specified. Secondly, Huldah may have been recognized as a prophetess of established authority and wisdom, particularly concerning matters of the Law, or perhaps she was known for her direct and immediate access to divine revelation. The Chronicler's emphasis on her consultation highlights God's freedom to use whomever He chooses, regardless of gender, and underscores her recognized spiritual standing in the community at that specific moment of crisis. The urgency of the situation, spurred by Josiah's conviction after hearing the Book of the Law ([2 Chronicles 34:19](/2_chronicles/34-19 "2 Chronicles 34:19 - Josiah's Reaction to the Law")), likely necessitated a swift and reliable prophetic word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The consultation with Huldah the prophetess, where the king's delegation sought a definitive word from God concerning the rediscovered Law, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect revelation of God in Jesus Christ. While Huldah served as a temporary conduit for God's message, Christ Himself is the very **Word of God incarnate** ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The people of Judah, through Josiah, sought to understand the implications of the Law for their lives; similarly, humanity is called to come to Christ, who perfectly fulfills the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")) and fully reveals the Father's will ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Just as Huldah's prophecy brought clarity and a call to repentance, so too does Christ's life, death, and resurrection provide the ultimate clarity on God's justice and mercy, offering the path to true repentance and reconciliation with God ([Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repent and Be Converted")). In Christ, we no longer need to send a delegation to a prophetess for a word, for He is the **Living Word** who dwells among us, accessible to all who seek Him in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.