2 Kings 22:14
So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her.
2 Kings 22:14 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, we see a group of men, including the high priest Hilkiah, seeking guidance from Huldah the prophetess. Huldah was a woman known for her wisdom and spiritual insight, and she was married to Shallum, who was in charge of the wardrobe in Jerusalem. The fact that these men went to Huldah for advice shows the high regard they had for her prophetic abilities. They valued her insights and trusted her to provide them with divine guidance in a time of uncertainty. This passage highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and counsel from those who are spiritually attuned and have a deep understanding of God's will. It also emphasizes the role of women in leadership positions within the religious community, challenging traditional gender roles. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder to approach those with spiritual gifts and knowledge for guidance and direction in times of need.
Theological Overview
When Hilkiah the priest and his companions sought out Huldah the prophetess for guidance, they turned to a woman known for her wisdom and insight. Huldah, the wife of Shallum, was respected for her ability to hear from God and deliver his messages to the people. As a prophetess, she played a crucial role in the spiritual life of Jerusalem, offering counsel and direction in times of uncertainty. Her position as the wife of the keeper of the wardrobe emphasized her importance and influence within the community. The fact that she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college suggests that she was well-educated and held in high regard by those around her. Huldah's response to the men who sought her advice would shape the course of events to come, illustrating the significant role that prophets and prophetesses played in the biblical narrative.
2 Kings 22:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asaiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the second quarter); and they communed with her.
World English Bible
So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asaiah, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she lived in Jerusalem in the second quarter); and they talked with her.
Douay-Rheims
So Helcias, the priest, and Ahicam, and Achobor, and Sapham, and Asaia, went to Holda, the prophetess, the wife of Sellum, the son of Thecua, the son of Araas, keeper of the wardrobe, who dwelt in Jerusalem, in the Second: and they spoke to her.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So Hilkiah the Priest and Ahikam, and Achbor and Shaphan, and Asahiah went vnto Huldah the Prophetesse the wife of Shallum, ye sonne of Tikuah, the sonne of Harhas keeper of the wardrobe: (and she dwelt in Ierusalem in the colledge) and they communed with her.