Huldah: The Verifying Witness

Season 7 Episode 03 Welcome back, truth-seekers, to another illuminatingepisode of the “Witness Series.” I’m your host, Fr. Veigas Dominic SVD, andtoday, we’re uncovering a fascinating story from the Old Testament, featuring awoman whose profound wisdom and spiritual authority were crucial in a pivotalmoment of Israel’s history.

In this third episode of Season 7, we turn ourattention to Huldah, “The Verifying Witness.” In a time of great spiritualawakening and discovery, God used Huldah to confirm His divine Word, bringingclarity and direction to a bewildered king and nation. Her story is a powerfulreminder that God can speak through anyone faithful, validating truth andguiding His people back to Him.

Huldah’s life resonates with us today because ithighlights the importance of authentic spiritual discernment and thetransformative power of God’s Word. Her witness reminds us that when weencounter God’s truth, we must seek its verification and respond with humility.

Today, we’ll unpack Huldah’s life, her crucial role asa verifying witness, and how her example can inspire our commitment to God’struth. Let’s get started.

Who was Huldah?

The year is approximately 622 BC. Young King Josiah, arighteous king, is reigning in Judah. During the temple’s renovations, amonumental discovery is made by Hilkiah the high priest – a book, almostcertainly a copy of the Law of Moses, possibly Deuteronomy. This book hadlikely been lost or hidden for generations, forgotten amidst the nation’sspiritual decline.

When this “Book of the Law” was read to King Josiah,he was utterly distraught. 2 Kings 22:11 tells us, “When the king heard thewords of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes.” He recognized immediatelythat the nation had gravely sinned against God’s commands. In his distress, hesent his chief officials, including the high priest Hilkiah, to inquire of theLord. They sought confirmation, understanding, and direction from God.