OT Characters: The Prophetess Huldah

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/ot62-huldah/">website</a>.</p><p>Hebrew & Greek words:</p><ul><li><i>chuldah</i> = mole. See the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huldah_Gates">Huldah Gates</a> (entrance into Temple precinct).</li><li><i>nevi'ah</i> = prophetess (Greek <i>prophêtis</i>)</li><li><i>navi'</i> = prophet (Greek <i>prophétēs</i>)</li></ul><p>Prophetesses of the Bible:</p><ul><li>Old Testament<ul><li>Miriam (Exod 15:20)</li><li>Deborah (Judg 4:4)</li><li>Huldah (2 Kings 22:14-20)</li><li>Isaiah's wife (Isa 8:3)</li><li>Traditional extras (in Judaism): Sarah, Abigail, Esther</li></ul></li><li>New Testament<ul><li>Anna (Luke 2:36)</li><li>Philip's daughters (Acts 21:9)</li><li>See also Acts 2:17-18; 1 Cor 11:4-5.</li></ul></li><li>False prophetesses<ul><li>Noadiah (Neh 6:14)</li><li>"Jezebel" (Rev 2:20)</li></ul></li></ul><p><strong>Text: 2 Chron 34:8-28 (selections)</strong></p><p>What we learn about Huldah:</p><ul><li>She is one of three <i>named</i> prophetesses in the O.T.</li><li>She was married, from a prominent family, and "high up" in the hierarchy.</li><li>She realizes the spiritual seriousness of the situation, and responds accordingly.</li><li>She's willing to convey challenging words to the king himself.</li><li>The king listens to her (2 Chron 34:29-35:19). He respects her.</li></ul><p>What we learn about God:</p><ul><li>God can speak authoritatively through a woman just as easily as through a man. (Huldah's message back to the king read and feel every bit as serious and authoritative as the words of Jeremiah!)</li><li>He holds us responsible for our knowledge of his Word. When we learn the truth, Yahweh expects us to act.</li><li>We are to do what is right, whether or not we are "successful." Josiah's revival movement was a case of "too little, too late." Still the Lord was pleased that he listened to Huldah and strove for righteousness and obedience to God's Law.</li></ul>