God’s prophetess foretold urgent truths, warning of consequences yet offering an opportunity for reformation.
She said to them, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: ‘Tell the man who sent you to Me,’” (v.23). In this verse, the speaker is the prophetess Huldah, delivering God’s words to the officials who came seeking divine insight on behalf of King Josiah (640-609 BC). At this time in Judah’s history, King Josiah had discovered the neglected Book of the Law in the temple, leading him to inquire of the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:14-21). Huldah’s response takes place in Jerusalem, the central city of worship in the southern kingdom of Judah, reflecting how God’s message came directly from His chosen prophetess. Her words emphasize the covenant relationship between God and Israel, as she refers to the LORD being “the God of Israel” who continues to speak truth and guidance to His people.
She said to them, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: ‘Tell the man who sent you to Me,’” (v.23) also underscores Huldah’s important role at a crucial point in Judah’s narrative. As one of the few named female prophets in the Old Testament, Huldah lived during a turbulent era when religious reforms were desperately needed. Placing Huldah within Israel’s historical timeline highlights her significance: she prophesied in the same generation that witnessed Josiah’s sweeping spiritual reforms (circa late 7th century BC). Her message to the king would shape his next steps in leading the nation away from idolatry and back to faithful observance of God’s laws, an episode reminiscent of the prophets’ role to call rulers into alignment with divine truth (2 Kings 22:14-20).
Turning to the teachings of the New Testament, we see that Jesus also brought revelation directly from the Father (John 14:10). Although Huldah’s words here deal specifically with expressions of judgment and mercy for the people of Judah, one can see a parallel in the way God communicates His will through chosen messengers to guide and correct His people. Huldah’s prophecy foreshadows a model where God continually seeks to steer His people’s hearts toward obedience and faithfulness, anticipating the ultimate salvation and reconciliation found in Christ (Romans 8:3-4).
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2 Chronicles 34:23 meaning
She said to them, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: ‘Tell the man who sent you to Me,’” (v.23). In this verse, the speaker is the prophetess Huldah, delivering God’s words to the officials who came seeking divine insight on behalf of King Josiah (640-609 BC). At this time in Judah’s history, King Josiah had discovered the neglected Book of the Law in the temple, leading him to inquire of the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:14-21). Huldah’s response takes place in Jerusalem, the central city of worship in the southern kingdom of Judah, reflecting how God’s message came directly from His chosen prophetess. Her words emphasize the covenant relationship between God and Israel, as she refers to the LORD being “the God of Israel” who continues to speak truth and guidance to His people.
She said to them, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: ‘Tell the man who sent you to Me,’” (v.23) also underscores Huldah’s important role at a crucial point in Judah’s narrative. As one of the few named female prophets in the Old Testament, Huldah lived during a turbulent era when religious reforms were desperately needed. Placing Huldah within Israel’s historical timeline highlights her significance: she prophesied in the same generation that witnessed Josiah’s sweeping spiritual reforms (circa late 7th century BC). Her message to the king would shape his next steps in leading the nation away from idolatry and back to faithful observance of God’s laws, an episode reminiscent of the prophets’ role to call rulers into alignment with divine truth (2 Kings 22:14-20).
Turning to the teachings of the New Testament, we see that Jesus also brought revelation directly from the Father (John 14:10). Although Huldah’s words here deal specifically with expressions of judgment and mercy for the people of Judah, one can see a parallel in the way God communicates His will through chosen messengers to guide and correct His people. Huldah’s prophecy foreshadows a model where God continually seeks to steer His people’s hearts toward obedience and faithfulness, anticipating the ultimate salvation and reconciliation found in Christ (Romans 8:3-4).