The Prophetess Huldah

It was a momentous discovery. Tidings of the find were carried to the king; and he asked that the book be read to him. As he heard the blessings promised to Israel if they would be obedient to the law of God, and the curses that would result if they should disobey, he became greatly distressed and anxious. Calling the priest and others, he said to them:AGP 132.5

“Go, inquire of the Lord for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great is the wrath of the Lord that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord, to do after all that is written in this book.” 2 Chronicles 34:21.

So well was the prophetic gift understood by the people that when Josiah said, “Inquire of the Lord,” those appointed by him went at once to a “prophetess,” by the name of Huldah, who was living, probably as an instructor, “in the college.” Through her God gave this answer:AGP 133.1

“She answered them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Tell ye the man that sent you to me, Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah.”

To the king this message was added:AGP 133.2

“Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest His words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before Me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before Me; I have even heard thee also, saith the Lord. Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place.” Verses 23-28.