Article July 7, 1980 Issue

Huldah the prophetess

Lynn H. Howard

The Bible tells us that when Josiah was king of Judah and needed advice about the authenticity of a scroll found in the temple, he accepted the judgment of a woman called Huldah.^{See II Kings 22:3-23:5;}

Evidently Huldah was known in Judah for her spiritual insight. She was a prophetess. Although the Bible doesn't tell us details of her preparation for this role, spiritual dedication and desire to know God characterized an individual who spoke God's message. It was unusual for a woman to attain the role of prophetess, since Hebrew society confined a woman's influence primarily to home and family. Huldah was married to Shallum, and in this role it would be normal for her to have household responsibilities.

But one thing is clear. Huldah didn't permit the narrow concept of woman in her day to limit her effectiveness. Somehow she must have penetrated beyond flimsy mores and social customs and felt something of the truth that God's idea includes both male and female qualities, spiritual and unlimited. Because Huldah turned to God, she was able to extend her influence beyond the home to those in government. Her judgment about a scroll led to a religious reform throughout Judah. It came about this way.

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