Hilkiah

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew Ḥilqiyyāhû (“Yahweh is my portion”)
• Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (late 7th century BC, Kingdom of Judah)
• Main References: 2 Kings 22–23; 2 Chronicles 34–35
• Key Connections: King Josiah; Shaphan the scribe; Huldah the prophetess; priests and Levites involved in temple administration

Who was Hilkiah?

Hilkiah was the high priest serving in Jerusalem during the reign of King Josiah of Judah.
He is best known for his role in the temple during a period of royal reform.
His actions are tied to the public recovery and transmission of Israel’s written covenant instruction.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Discovered “the Book of the Law” in the house of the LORD during temple repair work (2 Kings 22:8; 2 Chron. 34:14).
• Event 2: Delivered the discovered book to Shaphan the scribe, initiating its reading before the king and subsequent inquiry (2 Kings 22:8–10).
• Event 3: Participated in implementing Josiah’s reform by removing idolatrous vessels from the temple precincts (2 Kings 23:4).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Hilkiah’s legacy highlights the priestly responsibility to preserve and properly handle Israel’s covenant texts in the life of the nation.

Key Verse

"And Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it." — 2 Kings 22:8, ESV