feminine of חֹלֶד; Chuldah, an Israelitess; Huldah.
Transliteration:Chuldâh
Pronunciation:khool-daw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חֻלְדָּה (Chuldâh), Strong's `{{H2468}}`, is primarily a proper noun, referring to a specific individual: Huldah the prophetess. Its base definition indicates it is the feminine form of חֹלֶד (choled), Strong's `{{H2467}}`, which means "weasel." While the etymological root connects the name to this small, agile mammal, the semantic range for חֻלְדָּה in biblical usage is entirely confined to the identity and role of the prophetess. It does not carry the literal meaning of the animal, nor does it typically imply weasel-like characteristics for the person. Rather, its significance is derived from the actions and divine pronouncements associated with this prominent figure in Israel's history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Huldah appears in two parallel accounts in the Old Testament: [[2 Kings 22:14-20]] and [[2 Chronicles 34:22-28]]. Her appearances are confined to a pivotal moment during the reign of King Josiah. Following the discovery of "the Book of the Law" in the temple during its renovation, King Josiah, deeply distressed by its contents and the nation's failure to adhere to God's commandments, sends a delegation to inquire of the Lord. This delegation includes Hilkiah the high priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king's servant.
Significantly, they choose to consult Huldah, who is identified as "the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe" ([[2 Kings 22:14]], [[2 Chronicles 34:22]]). Her dwelling place is noted as "in the Second Quarter" of Jerusalem, suggesting a known and accessible residence. Her response is a powerful divine oracle. She confirms the authenticity and divine origin of the discovered book, pronouncing God's impending judgment upon Jerusalem and its inhabitants for their idolatry and abandonment of the covenant. However, she also delivers a message of peace and reprieve for King Josiah personally, because of his humble and contrite heart upon hearing the words of the Law. Her prophecy validates the rediscovered text and catalyzes Josiah's sweeping religious reforms. The decision to consult Huldah, despite the apparent presence of other prophets like Jeremiah or Zephaniah during this era, underscores her recognized spiritual authority and discernment within the community.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several theological and conceptual themes are intrinsically linked to חֻלְדָּה (Huldah) and her biblical narrative:
* **Prophecy/Prophetess:** Huldah's primary role is that of a prophetess, a divinely appointed messenger of God's word. This connects her to other biblical prophetesses like Miriam ([[Exodus 15:20]]) and Deborah ([[Judges 4:4]]), highlighting God's use of women in authoritative spiritual capacities.
* **Torah/Law:** The discovery of "the Book of the Law" (likely a form of Deuteronomy) is the catalyst for her involvement. Her function is to authenticate and interpret this divine revelation, demonstrating the supreme authority of God's written word.
* **Repentance and Reform:** Josiah's response to Huldah's prophecy is one of deep repentance, leading to a national movement of reform and covenant renewal. This illustrates the transformative power of God's word when met with humility.
* **Divine Judgment and Mercy:** Huldah's message encapsulates both aspects of God's character: righteous judgment against persistent sin and compassionate mercy towards a repentant heart.
* **Divine Counsel:** The act of sending a delegation to inquire of the Lord through Huldah exemplifies the importance of seeking divine counsel in matters of national and spiritual significance.
* **`{{H2467}}` (choled):** While etymologically linked as the root for "weasel," this word has no direct thematic or theological connection to the prophetess Huldah beyond the linguistic origin of her name.
### Theological Significance
Huldah's brief but impactful appearance in Scripture carries profound theological significance:
* **God's Universal Revelation:** Her role demonstrates God's sovereignty in choosing His messengers. He reveals His will through individuals regardless of gender, social standing, or familial lineage. Huldah, though a woman and married to a "keeper of the wardrobe," was chosen to deliver a crucial message to the king and the nation.
* **The Authority of God's Word:** Huldah's prophecy serves to confirm the divine authority of the rediscovered Book of the Law. Her words underscore that the written word of God is indeed His voice, demanding obedience and shaping destiny.
* **God's Justice and Grace in Balance:** Huldah's message perfectly illustrates the dual nature of God's interaction with humanity: unyielding judgment for covenant infidelity but profound mercy for genuine repentance. Her prophecy provided a clear path for Josiah to avert immediate disaster for himself.
* **The Role of Women in Leadership and Prophecy:** Huldah stands as a powerful testament to the significant spiritual authority and public leadership exercised by women in ancient Israel, as recognized and affirmed by God Himself. Her counsel was sought by the highest religious and political authorities, and her words were received as the very word of the Lord, leading to national transformation. This provides a biblical precedent for women in positions of spiritual influence and prophetic gifting.
* **The Necessity of Seeking Divine Guidance:** Josiah's humility in seeking God's word through Huldah highlights the essential practice of seeking divine counsel, especially in times of crisis or significant decision-making.
### Summary
חֻלְדָּה (Chuldâh), Strong's `{{H2468}}`, refers to the prophetess active during the reign of King Josiah. Though her name etymologically links to "weasel," her biblical significance lies entirely in her role as a divinely appointed messenger. She is prominently featured in [[2 Kings 22]] and [[2 Chronicles 34]], where she authenticates the newly discovered Book of the Law and delivers a critical prophecy to King Josiah. Her message confirms God's impending judgment on Judah for its idolatry but also offers a promise of peace for Josiah due to his personal humility and repentance. Huldah's narrative underscores God's sovereign choice of messengers, the supreme authority of His Word, the balance of divine justice and mercy, and the significant role women could hold in prophetic and spiritual leadership within ancient Israel. Her prophecy was instrumental in catalyzing Josiah's widespread religious reforms, making her a pivotal figure in the history of Judah's covenant renewal.
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