Hilkiah חִלְקִיָּהוּ
An official during King Hezekiah's reign.
Biography
Hilkiah is mentioned in 2 Kings 18 and Isaiah 22 and 36 as a high-ranking official in the court of King Hezekiah of Judah. He held the position of "master of the household" (2Ki.18.18, Isa.36.3), which was a significant role in the royal administration, overseeing the palace and its affairs.
During the Assyrian invasion led by Sennacherib, Hilkiah, along with Shebna the scribe and Joah the recorder, was sent by Hezekiah to meet with the Assyrian officials (2Ki.18.18, Isa.36.3). The Assyrian representative, the Rabshakeh, delivered a threatening message to Hezekiah, urging him to surrender. Hilkiah and his companions reported the message to the king, who then sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah (2Ki.18.37, Isa.36.22).
In Isa.22.20-25, a prophecy is given concerning Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who would replace Shebna as the steward of the royal household. This prophecy emphasizes the importance of the role and the trust placed in the person holding this position.
Hilkiah's involvement in these key events during Hezekiah's reign highlights his importance as a trusted advisor and official in the king's court.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study content2 Kings 3 verses
- 2 Kings 18:18
"When they had called to the king, Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder came out to them."
- 2 Kings 18:26
"Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, Shebnah, and Joah, said to Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in the Syrian language, for we understand it. Don’t speak with us in the Jews’ language, in the hearing of the people who are on the wall.”"
- 2 Kings 18:37
"Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, came with Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him Rabshakeh’s words."
Isaiah 3 verses
- Isaiah 22:20
"It will happen in that day that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah,"
Study Isaiah → - Isaiah 36:3
"Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder came out to him."
Study Isaiah → - Isaiah 36:22
"Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him the words of Rabshakeh."
Study Isaiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | חִלְקִיָּהוּ | H2518G |