Not all prophets were men, enter - Huldah

Huldah the Prophetess is a lesser-known but significant figure in the Bible, mentioned in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Her story is situated in the context of the reign of King Josiah, a righteous king of Judah who sought to bring about religious reforms.

During Josiah's reign, the high priest Hilkiah discovered the Book of the Law (likely an early form of the book of Deuteronomy) in the temple. Recognizing the importance of this discovery, Josiah sent a delegation, including Hilkiah, to consult with a prophet or prophetess regarding the implications of the newly found scriptures and the state of the nation.

This is where Huldah comes into the narrative. She was residing in the Second Quarter of Jerusalem, and the delegation approached her to seek divine guidance. Huldah, as a prophetess, was uniquely positioned to convey God's messages to the people.

In response to Josiah's inquiry, Huldah delivered a powerful and authoritative message from the Lord. She affirmed the authenticity of the discovered scroll and conveyed both blessings and curses foretold in it. Huldah conveyed God's approval of Josiah's righteous intentions, acknowledging his humility and repentance. However, she also foretold the impending judgment upon the nation due to their past disobedience and idolatry.

Huldah's role in validating the rediscovered scriptures played a crucial part in the religious reforms initiated by King Josiah. Her words carried weight and authority, contributing to the king's commitment to purify the worship practices and turn the nation back to the worship of the one true God.

The inclusion of Huldah in this pivotal moment challenges traditional gender roles in ancient societies. In a time when the role of prophet or spiritual leader was often associated with men, Huldah's presence as a prophetess underscores the biblical acknowledgment of women as bearers of divine messages.

Huldah's story highlights themes of faithfulness, repentance, and the importance of heeding God's word. Her prophetic role in confirming the divine nature of the discovered scriptures underscores the belief in the continuity of God's message throughout history.

While Huldah's appearances in the Bible are brief, her impact on the events surrounding the rediscovery of the Book of the Law and the subsequent reforms led by Josiah make her a noteworthy figure. Her inclusion in the biblical narrative sheds light on the diverse ways through which God works, using individuals like Huldah, irrespective of societal norms, to accomplish His purposes and convey His messages to His people.