Tikvah תִּקְוָה
Father of Shallum, husband of Huldah the prophetess
Who is Tikvah in the Bible?
Tikvah was the father of Shallum and the father-in-law of Huldah the prophetess, mentioned in 2 Kings 22:14 and 2 Chronicles 34:22. He is also referred to by the alternate name Tokhath in some biblical accounts. Tikvah himself plays no active role in scripture, but he is significant for his family connection to Huldah, who served as a trusted prophetic advisor to King Josiah during the temple repairs and the discovery of the Book of the Law. When Josiah sought divine guidance about the discovered scroll, he consulted Huldah through her husband Shallum, and she delivered an important prophecy regarding God's judgment and Josiah's personal salvation. Tikvah's mention in scripture essentially serves to establish the genealogical link between Shallum and the prophetess who influenced one of Judah's most important religious reforms.
Biography
Tikvah, also referred to as Tokhath, is mentioned in 2Ki.22.14 and 2Ch.34.22 as the father of Shallum. Shallum was the husband of Huldah, a prophetess who lived in Jerusalem during the reign of King Josiah. When Josiah ordered the repair of the temple, the high priest Hilkiah discovered the Book of the Law. Josiah then sent a delegation, including Shallum, to consult Huldah regarding the words of the book. Huldah prophesied that God would bring judgment upon Judah for their unfaithfulness but that Josiah would be spared because of his repentance. No other details are provided about Tikvah's life or role. His mention serves to identify Shallum and, by extension, Huldah, who played a significant role in Josiah's religious reforms.
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 | תִּקְוָה |
| Named | Hebrew | תּוֹקַהַת |