Hilkiah
“My portion is Yahweh (the LORD)”
Summary
Hilkiah ("my portion is the LORD") was the name of several men, most notably the high priest during Josiah's reign who discovered the Book of the Law in the Temple, sparking a major reformation.
☩Discovery of the Law
Hilkiah the high priest made one of Scripture's most momentous discoveries during King Josiah's Temple restoration. While overseeing the collection and distribution of funds for repairs, he found "the Book of the Law" (probably Deuteronomy or the entire Torah) in the Temple. He gave it to Shaphan the scribe, who read it to the king. Upon hearing its contents, Josiah tore his robes in grief, recognizing how far Judah had strayed from God's commands.
☩The Reformation
Hilkiah was among those sent by Josiah to inquire of the prophetess Huldah regarding the book's implications. Her message confirmed judgment was coming but would be delayed for Josiah's sake. Hilkiah then participated in the great reformation that followed—destroying idols, defiling pagan shrines, and celebrating the most comprehensive Passover since the judges' era.
☩Other Hilkiahs
Other men named Hilkiah include: the father of Eliakim, who was master of Hezekiah's household; a Levite ancestor of Ethan; the father of the prophet Jeremiah; and several post-exilic priests and Levites.
Related Verses31 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Hilkiah," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Hilkiah," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Hilkiah," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 4.George Morrish, "Hilkiah," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).