Shallum שַׁלּוּם
Husband of Huldah the prophetess
Who is Shallum in the Bible?
Shallum was the husband of Huldah, a prophetess who served during the reign of King Josiah of Judah (2 Kings 22:14, 2 Chronicles 34:22). He served as keeper of the wardrobe, a position that gave him authority over the royal garments and possibly other aspects of the royal household. When the Book of the Law was discovered during temple repairs, the high priest Hilkiah and the king's servants consulted Huldah about its authenticity, making Shallum's household the place where an important divine word was delivered to the kingdom. Though Shallum himself plays a minor role in the biblical narrative, his significance lies in being the spouse of one of the few named prophetesses in Scripture and in facilitating access to her prophetic counsel during a crucial moment of religious reform in Judah.
Biography
Shallum, mentioned in 2Ki.22.14 and 2Ch.34.22, was the husband of Huldah, a prophetess who lived in Jerusalem during the reign of King Josiah. He is described as the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, and is identified as the keeper of the wardrobe. This position likely involved overseeing the royal garments and possibly managing the king's household. When King Josiah ordered the high priest Hilkiah to inquire of the Lord concerning the words of the Book of the Law that had been found, Hilkiah and the king's servants sought out Huldah for her prophetic insight. Huldah delivered a message from God, confirming the authenticity of the book and foretelling the judgment that would come upon Judah for their disobedience. Shallum's connection to Huldah and his role in the royal household suggest that he was a respected figure in Jerusalem during this time of religious reform.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books2 Kings 1 verse
- 2 Kings 22:14
"So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went and spoke to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, the keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the Second District."
2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 34:22
"So Hilkiah and those the king had designated went and spoke to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, the keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the Second District."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שַׁלּוּם |