This verse from 2 Kings 22:14 describes a delegation seeking guidance from a prophetess named Huldah after the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple. Let's break it down:
"So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah..." - This lists the members of the delegation. These were important figures in the court of King Josiah. Hilkiah was the high priest, Shaphan was the royal secretary, and the others were likely officials as well.
"...went to Huldah the prophetess..." - This identifies Huldah as a prophetess. In ancient Israel, prophetesses were women who were believed to receive messages from God and communicate them to others.
"...the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe..." - This provides details about Huldah's background. It identifies her husband, Shallum, and his family lineage. Shallum's occupation as "keeper of the wardrobe" suggests a position of importance in the royal household. This might have provided Huldah with access to influential people.
"(now she lived in Jerusalem in the second quarter)..." - This specifies where Huldah lived in Jerusalem. The "second quarter" refers to a particular district or neighborhood within the city. This detail helps to locate her and emphasizes that she was a well-known figure in the community.
"...and they talked with her." - This indicates that the delegation consulted with Huldah. The purpose of this consultation is revealed in the following verses. They were seeking divine guidance and interpretation of the recently discovered Book of the Law because they were concerned about its implications for the kingdom.
In summary:
The verse sets the stage for a pivotal moment in the story of King Josiah's reforms. It describes a high-level delegation seeking divine counsel from a respected prophetess, Huldah, after a significant religious discovery. It establishes Huldah's credentials and location, emphasizing her role and importance in the community. The fact that such an important delegation sought her advice highlights the recognition and authority she held as a prophetess.
This verse from 2 Kings 22:14 describes a delegation seeking guidance from a prophetess named Huldah after the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple. Let's break it down:
"So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah..." - This lists the members of the delegation. These were important figures in the court of King Josiah. Hilkiah was the high priest, Shaphan was the royal secretary, and the others were likely officials as well.
"...went to Huldah the prophetess..." - This identifies Huldah as a prophetess. In ancient Israel, prophetesses were women who were believed to receive messages from God and communicate them to others.
"...the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe..." - This provides details about Huldah's background. It identifies her husband, Shallum, and his family lineage. Shallum's occupation as "keeper of the wardrobe" suggests a position of importance in the royal household. This might have provided Huldah with access to influential people.
"(now she lived in Jerusalem in the second quarter)..." - This specifies where Huldah lived in Jerusalem. The "second quarter" refers to a particular district or neighborhood within the city. This detail helps to locate her and emphasizes that she was a well-known figure in the community.
"...and they talked with her." - This indicates that the delegation consulted with Huldah. The purpose of this consultation is revealed in the following verses. They were seeking divine guidance and interpretation of the recently discovered Book of the Law because they were concerned about its implications for the kingdom.
In summary:
The verse sets the stage for a pivotal moment in the story of King Josiah's reforms. It describes a high-level delegation seeking divine counsel from a respected prophetess, Huldah, after a significant religious discovery. It establishes Huldah's credentials and location, emphasizing her role and importance in the community. The fact that such an important delegation sought her advice highlights the recognition and authority she held as a prophetess.