Tikvah, Father-in-law of Huldah
A Judean man during the Divided Monarchy whose lineage is linked to the royal court and the prophetess Huldah.
Tikvah was a Judean official or citizen living in Jerusalem during the late 7th century BC. He is identified in the biblical record as the son of Harhas (also spelled Hasrah) and the father of Shallum. His primary distinction in the narrative of the Divided Monarchy is his familial connection to Huldah, the prominent prophetess who served during the reign of King Josiah.
While Tikvah does not perform any recorded actions himself, his inclusion in the genealogies of both 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles serves to establish the social and religious standing of his family. As the father of the "Keeper of the Wardrobe," Tikvah belonged to a household of significant administrative responsibility within the Southern Kingdom of Judah, specifically during a time of intense religious reform.
Background and Family
Tikvah lived during the era of the Divided Monarchy, specifically during the reign of King Josiah (c. 640–609 BC). The biblical record identifies his father as Harhas in 2 Kings 22:14, though the parallel account in 2 Chronicles 34:22 renders the name as Hasrah. Such variations are common in ancient manuscripts due to linguistic shifts or scribal transmission. Tikvah’s son, Shallum, held the prestigious office of "Keeper of the Wardrobe" (shomer habbegadim). This role likely involved the oversight of royal or priestly vestments, indicating that Tikvah’s family moved within the highest circles of Jerusalem’s political and religious hierarchy.
Major Life Events
Tikvah is not depicted as an active participant in the events of Josiah’s reign. Instead, his name appears in the context of a high-stakes diplomatic and spiritual mission. When Hilkiah the high priest discovered the Book of the Law in the Temple, King Josiah sent a delegation to inquire of the Lord. This delegation sought out Huldah the prophetess, who is identified as the wife of Tikvah’s son, Shallum.
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. (2 Kings 22:14)
Tikvah is thus anchored to one of the most significant moments in Judah’s history—the rediscovery of the Torah and the subsequent Josianic reforms. His residence, or at least that of his son and daughter-in-law, was in the "Second District" (Mishneh) of Jerusalem, a newer developed section of the city that likely housed officials and scholars.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Tikvah’s importance is entirely relational. He is the bridge between Harhas (his father) and Shallum (his son). Through his son, he is the father-in-law of Huldah. Huldah’s status as a prophetess was so great that the king’s officials sought her counsel even though contemporary prophets like Jeremiah or Zephaniah were active. The fact that Tikvah’s name is preserved alongside these figures suggest his family was well-regarded and established in the Judean capital.
Spiritual Significance
The name Tikvah translates to "hope" or "expectation" in Hebrew. While the Bible provides no specific details regarding his personal faith, he is situated within a lineage that remained faithful to the traditions of Israel during a period of widespread apostasy. By raising a son who served the crown and marrying into the lineage of a prophetess, Tikvah represents the quiet, steady presence of the Judean administrative class that supported the preservation of the law and the prophetic voice during the twilight of the Monarchy.
Spiritual Significance
Tikvah's significance lies in his role as a genealogical link in the history of the late Divided Monarchy. He provides the ancestral context for Huldah, the only female prophet mentioned during the period of the kings to whom the royal court turned for divine verification of the Law. His family’s position in the 'Second District' of Jerusalem underscores the urban, professional class that helped facilitate Josiah's religious reforms.
The inclusion of his name in both 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles serves a dual purpose: it validates the social standing of Huldah's husband, Shallum, and ensures the historical accuracy of the delegation's report by providing a clear, verifiable lineage for the household the king's men visited.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Tikvah mean?
The Hebrew name Tikvah means 'hope,' 'expectation,' or 'cord/strand.'
Who was Tikvah's son?
His son was Shallum, who served as the 'Keeper of the Wardrobe' for the royal court in Jerusalem.
Was Tikvah a prophet?
No, there is no biblical evidence that Tikvah was a prophet; he is only mentioned as a father and a link in a genealogy.
Where did Tikvah live?
The text notes that his son and daughter-in-law lived in the Second District (or Mishneh) of Jerusalem; it is presumed Tikvah’s family was based in this area.
Why is Tikvah mentioned twice in the Bible?
He is mentioned in 2 Kings and its parallel account in 2 Chronicles to identify the husband of Huldah the prophetess.
Connected Figures
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 2 Chronicles1
- 2 Kings1
Family & Relationships
Child
Shallum, Keeper of the Wardrobe
2 Kings 22:14
Parent
2 Kings 22:14
Others Named Tikvah
Tikvah, Father of JahzeiahEzra 10:15
A Jewish man during the Post-Exilic Period whose son, Jahzeiah, was one of the few individuals to oppose Ezra's plan for mass divorces of foreign wives.