Who Was Huldah?

Like Deborah in Judges, Huldah in Kings and Chronicles, and Anna in the New Testament...women are waiting to be recognized as valuable components of the overall plan of God to use all of His creation to minister.

 

The Huldah Gates are thought traditionally to be named for the place where Huldah met with people as a prophet. With the fall of Jerusalem and the later Ottoman occupation the area of the gates called Huldah were covered over, blocked, and buried to be forgotten....

 

They therefore make a marvelous allegory of the way woman has all too often been covered over, blocked off, and buried beneath the stones of culture, tradition, and dominance.  The way men have too often robbed themselves of the wisdom and skills of their mothers, sisters, and the women around them.  The sun is setting, the cool wind is rising...won't you come meet me at Huldah's Gate?

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What is known is the she was a prophet of stature and notability in Jerusalem.  From descriptions of the area she was thought to have maintained at one of the gates to the temple, it was a place where learning took place.  Some believe this was the 'school of the prophets.' 

She apparently remained in Jerusalem, perhaps 'holding down the fort' when others were taken away or ran away.

 

Some assume that she was merely a "prophetess", but that term and the negation associated with it, does not really exist.  It is clear prophecy was a gift given to both men and women as seen in Miriam, Deborah and others.

 

It cannot be assumed that she was second rate either.  No one serving a king would dare find someone of inferior status or skills to do as the king required. Yes, there were other male prophets at the same time around the region but there is no evidence that there was any question of her skills in that arena.  She had no doubt been a life long inhabitant of the city, known to all by acquaintance or reputation.

 

 

She therefore stands for many things to modern people:

• She represents the blending of learning and faith since the area where she served was associated with a school.
• She represents the fact that the Bible is replete with examples of women serving God in leadership and with authority. 
• She represents that we have been silent about the witness and example of these women and have denied the people of faith a balanced view of how men and women of God are to interact and work together.
• She represents the courage to act for social justice, speak out bravely against oppression and fearlessly communicate the message of God to a generation.