2 Chronicles 34:21,22 – ““Go, inquire of the Lord for me, and for those who are left in Israel and Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found; for great is the wrath of the Lord that is poured out on us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord, to do according to all that is written in this book.” So Hilkiah and those the king had appointed went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe. (She dwelt in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter.) And they spoke to her to that effect.”
Today’s reading underscores the important role women play in the kingdom of God. King Josiah is a godly king whose reign is characterized by restoring the temple and temple worship. In the process of cleaning out the temple the priests find the book of the Law. He requests that his leaders (among them Hilkiah the high priest) go and inquire of the Lord about what was written in the Law. It is interesting that the leaders equate inquiring of the Lord to mean, “find a prophet.” It is even more interesting whom they go to: Huldah the prophetess. This woman must have been esteemed very highly. There were three other male prophets alive at this time: Jeremiah, Zephaniah, and Nahum. However, the spiritual leaders under Josiah chose Huldah as the mouthpiece of God.
There are two other insights about Huldah that add clout to her ministry. She was literate. This was extraordinary for a woman living at that time. She also lived in the Second District. This is a section of Jerusalem where oral tradition was taught and preserved. According to Jewish tradition Huldah was the head of a school in the Second District, which was entrusted with the “story” of God’s people. This was essential to the perpetuation of the customs, teachings, and traditions of Israel.
The subject of women in ministry and in positions of spiritual leadership in the church is a hot topic in some sectors of Christianity. It is debated in forums and councils and is so controversial it has caused schisms within denominations and caused high profile churches to remove themselves from being named or associated with organizations that deny the calling and giftedness of women. My guess is that this will always be a subject debated among church leaders worldwide.
Whatever your thoughts on the matter, women play a vital role in kingdom life throughout scripture and in the church today. Women, rise up in the anointing the Spirit of God has placed upon you and help move the church forward to her end time destiny!
(Note today’s New Testament reading concerning women in ministry from Romans 16:8-15. Especially take note of Paul’s recognition of women. Don’t miss verses 1-7 in yesterday’s reading to get a broader view of Paul’s comments concerning women.)