Huldah

Huldah, also spelled Hulda, is a figure in the Hebrew Bible described as a prophetess from Jerusalem during the reign of King Josiah (late 7th century BCE). She is named in two biblical accounts for her role in confirming the authenticity of a recently found book of the law and for delivering a prophetic message to Josiah’s officials.

In 2 Kings 22, during temple renovations, the Book of the Law is found by Hilkiah the priest. The king sends Shaphan the scribe to consult the Lord, and the officials seek guidance from Huldah the prophetess, described as the wife of Shallum, keeper of the wardrobe in the temple. She prophesies that the book’s contents will bring disaster on Judah and its inhabitants because of idolatry, but to the king who sent you, she says that Josiah will be granted peace and will not see the disaster that will come on this place.

An account in 2 Chronicles 34:22–28 presents a similar scene during Josiah’s reform. After the book is read to the king and the people, Huldah again prophesies judgment on Jerusalem for its idolatry, yet also asserts that because Josiah humbled himself, he would die in peace and not experience the calamity in his lifetime.

Significance: Huldah is one of the few named female prophets in the Hebrew Bible. Her guidance appears to support royal reform and temple renewal under Josiah, illustrating an authorized prophetic voice tied to the king’s policy and religious centralization. Scholars note her authority as a temple functionary and highlight the presence of a female prophetic voice in biblical narratives.