The Huldah Gates - First Century Jerusalem

Photo of the Huldah Gates in the Second Temple Model of Jerusalem

In the wall below the Temple were the gates of the prophetess Huldah, they were the two main gates that led into the Temple Mount in the Second Temple Jerusalem of Herod the Great. The wall measured 211 feet. The Ophel corner was so high that from its top "an Arab with a spear looked like a flax worm."

A prophetess, the wife of Shallum, who was keeper of the wardrobe (2 Kings 22:14). She dwelt, in the reign of Josiah, in that part of Jerusalem called the Mishneh (the "Second Quarter"). To her the king sent Hilkiah the priest, Shaphan the scribe, and others to consult respecting the denunciations in the lately found book of the law. She then delivered an oracular response of mingled judgment and mercy, declaring the near destruction of Jerusalem but promising Josiah that he should be taken from the world before these evil days came (22:14-20; 34:22-28), about 639 BC Huldah is known only from this circumstance.

Stone from the Huldah Gates

Photo of a Stone from the Huldah Gates is richly embossed with floral designs and geometric patterns.

It is indeed interesting that the only remaining remnant of the original entrance to the Temple was that of the prophetess Huldah who actually condemned Israel for her idolatries and not knowing who they were serving. God promised that He would come to Jerusalem and whoever of the Jewish brethren would not hear His Words would be treated as an unbeliever (Deut 18). Jesus came to Jerusalem and His Words were rejected by His Jewish brethren.

The Prophetess Huldah Responding to King Josiah

2 Kings 22:14-20 - So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her. And she said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, [even] all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched. But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, [As touching] the words which thou hast heard; Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard [thee], saith the LORD. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.