Lives of Scripture

During Josiah's reign, workers repairing the temple discovered the Book of the Law, apparently lost or neglected for years, and when it was read aloud to Josiah, he tore his clothes in grief, recognizing how far Judah had strayed from its covenant obligations (2 Kings 22:8-13). Josiah sent the high priest Hilkiah and several of his highest officials to "inquire of the LORD" about the book's warnings, and they went specifically to Huldah the prophetess, who lived in Jerusalem's Second Quarter and was married to Shallum, keeper of the wardrobe (22:14). That the king's own delegation of senior officials sought out Huldah, rather than any other available prophet of the period such as Jeremiah or Zephaniah, reflects the genuine authority her prophetic office carried. Huldah confirmed the book's warnings as true: God would indeed bring the disaster described upon Jerusalem and its people for their idolatry (22:15-17). But she also delivered a specific word of mercy for Josiah personally -- because his heart was tender and he humbled himself before the LORD upon hearing the words, he would be gathered to his grave in peace and would not see the coming disaster with his own eyes (22:18-20). Josiah acted immediately on her confirmed word, leading Judah in one of its most sweeping covenant renewals and reforms (23:1-25).