What about Huldah?

Here’s another person you may never have heard of.

Huldah was an Old Testament prophetess spoken of in the second book of Kings.

Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Acbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went straight to Huldah the prophetess. – 2 Kings 22:14 (MSG)

Okay, but what about Huldah? I’m happy you asked.

Huldah is yet another of those persons in Scripture who, though obscure, demonstrated strength of character.

At a time when women did not enjoy the same privileges as men, Huldah appeared to have had some influence as a highly regarded prophetess.

One of those on whom her influence impacted greatly was none other than Josiah, king of Judah. To him, Huldah was a woman of distinction whose utterances were credible. Having a heart for God, especially when most Hebrews were embroiled in idolatry, Huldah was a rarity.

The king, himself a godly man, was faced with a catastrophic dilemma and sent his own personal messengers to Huldah.

Long story very short…

You see, during repairs to the Temple in Jerusalem, Hilkiah, the High Priest, discovered a scroll in the Temple, with God’s laws written on it; he in turn went to Shaphan, the king’s secretary, who reported this discovery to the king.

Upon hearing what was written in the scroll, the king became terrified and “commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Shaphan, and Asaiah, the king’s assistant, and Ahikam (Shaphan’s son), and Achbor (Michaiah’s son)” to seek after the Lord for clarity.

These five messengers went to Huldah, whom God had set apart as His trusted prophetess.

Huldah not only confirmed the scroll’s authenticity but prophesied on the future of the king and of Israel. And the prophecy was not in their favour (read 2 Kings 22:14-20 and 2 Chronicles 34:22–28).

Huldah was not the only one prophesying during the reign of king Josiah, the better-known prophets, Jeremiah and Zephaniah were her contemporaries. So let it not go unnoticed that the High Priest did not consult with these two powerhouse prophets of God but opted to seek the counsel of a veritable unknown prophetess instead. This says a lot about the character of Huldah.

God needed a spokesperson to deliver a particularly damning message; a person to speak with conviction to the people on His behalf; a person who would not hesitate to deliver His scathing indictment against a sinful nation; a person unafraid to tell the raw truth of His Word.

It’s clear that Huldah was chosen by God for this very special assignment. God chose her to relay His message to His people. Huldah was the right person for this task. To man she was of no consequence, but that did not matter for she was God’s choice.

Huldah’s prophesy brought about repentance, renewal and revival to a place and its people that had become consumed by sin.

Huldah was a woman of God “thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17).

Though tucked away within the pages of 2 Kings 22, Huldah was well-equipped to prophesy on God’s behalf. God knew her and He knows you. He knew Huldah’s ability and He knows your ability even if you’re in doubt.

God trusted Huldah to boldly speak His truth to a nation destined for disaster. The king of Judah sought Huldah’s counsel because he knew that she could be trusted to speak God’s truth.

Can you be trusted to speak God’s truth? Are you willing, like Huldah, to reveal both bad and good news? What message has God laid on your heart to share but you haven’t the courage to speak?

Beloved, if you will consistently and accurately speak the truth of God’s Word, God will always choose you to be His trusted messenger, and man will always seek your counsel.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “What about Huldah?” © August 4, 2025