The Hebrew word Tôwqahath, represented by H8445, is the name of an Israelite meaning obedience. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. The name is rendered as Tikvath in English translations and is noted as a correction for the name Tikvah H8616, with which it is used interchangeably.
The sole appearance of H8445 is in 2 Chronicles 34:22, where it serves to establish a lineage. During a time of reform, the king's H4428 officials, including Hilkiah H2518, went H3212 to consult Huldah H2468 the prophetess H5031. To identify her, the text specifies she is the wife H802 of Shallum H7967, who is the son H1121 of Tikvath H8445. The family dwelt H3427 in Jerusalem H3389 and held the position of keeper H8104 of the wardrobe H899.
Several related words help clarify Tôwqahath's identity within the biblical narrative:
- H8616 Tiqvâh (Tikvah): A name used interchangeably with Tôwqahath. The single reference to H8445 also includes a reference to H8616 for the same person, who is the father of Shallum 2 Chronicles 34:22.
- H2468 Chuldâh (Huldah): The prophetess whose husband's lineage includes Tôwqahath. The genealogy serves to authenticate her identity.
- H2641 Chaçrâh (Hasrah): Identified as the father of Tôwqahath, establishing the patriarchal line mentioned in the account 2 Chronicles 34:22.
- H7967 Shallûwm (Shallum): The grandson of Hasrah and son of Tôwqahath. As the husband of Huldah, his familial role was keeper of the wardrobe.
The theological significance of H8445 is derived entirely from its context:
- Authenticating Prophetic Counsel: The name Tôwqahath is part of the specific genealogy used to validate the identity of the prophetess Huldah H2468. By precisely naming her husband's family, the text confirms the king's H4428 messengers sought guidance from the correct, divinely appointed source 2 Chronicles 34:22.
- Lineage in Service: The family line of Tôwqahath was involved in service as the "keeper H8104 of the wardrobe H899". This detail connects the prophetic ministry of Huldah to a family with established responsibilities within Jerusalem's official structures.
- Preservation of Identity: The recording of a name like Tôwqahath underscores the biblical value of heritage. His name is preserved to provide a credible and detailed account of a pivotal moment in Israel's history, grounding the event in a specific family.
In summary, H8445 Tôwqahath is a personal name meaning obedience that appears once in a genealogy. It identifies the father of Shallum, the husband of the prophetess Huldah. Though not a central character, the name plays a vital role by establishing the lineage and authority of the prophetess consulted by the king's court. The mention of Tôwqahath demonstrates the importance of detailed ancestry in biblical narratives to authenticate key figures and events, linking them to families known for their specific roles and service.
TRV