Hilkiah חִלְקִיָּהוּ
An official during King Hezekiah's reign.
Who is Hilkiah in the Bible?
Hilkiah was a high-ranking official in the court of King Hezekiah of Judah who served as "master of the household," overseeing palace affairs and administration (2 Kings 18:18, Isaiah 36:3). During the Assyrian invasion led by Sennacherib, Hilkiah was sent along with Shebna the scribe and Joah the recorder to meet with Assyrian officials and receive their threatening demands for surrender (2 Kings 18:18, Isaiah 36:3). After hearing the Rabshakeh's intimidating message, Hilkiah and his companions reported it to King Hezekiah, who then consulted the prophet Isaiah for guidance (2 Kings 18:37, Isaiah 36:22). Hilkiah's role in this pivotal moment demonstrates the involvement of court officials in matters of national crisis and religious reliance on God's prophetic word during Judah's darkest political hour.
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
"Then they called for the king. And Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them."
- 2 Kings 18:26
"Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, along with Shebnah and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak with us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.”"
- 2 Kings 18:37
"Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh."
Isaiah 3 verses
- Isaiah 22:20
"On that day I will summon My servant, Eliakim son of Hilkiah."
Study Isaiah → - Isaiah 36:3
"Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to him."
Study Isaiah → - Isaiah 36:22
"Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh."
Study Isaiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | חִלְקִיָּהוּ | ḥilĕqiyāh | Chilhijah , the name of eight Israelites |