Hilkiah
High priest who found the Book of the Law under Josiah.
AI-generated artistic depiction (no historical imagery exists)
Hilkiah is a priest and high priest mentioned in several Old Testament passages, most notably in connection with the discovery of the Book of the Law during King Josiah's reign. He is identified as the son of Shallum (1 Chronicles 6:13) and the father of Azariah (1 Chronicles 6:13). (Note: The Hilkiah who is father of Eliakim in Isaiah 22:20 is likely a different individual, as Eliakim served under King Hezekiah, while this Hilkiah served under Josiah, a century later.) Hilkiah served as high priest (2 Kings 22:4; 2 Chronicles 34:9) and was a key figure in the religious reforms of Josiah, including the finding of the law book and the purging of idolatrous vessels from the temple (2 Kings 23:4).
- Title
- High priest (2 Kings 22:4; 2 Chronicles 34:9)
- Father
- Shallum (1 Chronicles 6:13)
- Son
- Azariah (1 Chronicles 6:13)
- Key Event
- Found the book of the law in the house of the LORD (2 Kings 22:8; 2 Chronicles 34:14-15)
- Role in Reform
- Assisted in the removal of idolatrous vessels from the temple, as commanded by Josiah to the priests collectively (2 Kings 23:4)
Lore & Background
Beyond the narrative of Josiah's reforms, Hilkiah appears in genealogical lists as an ancestor of Ezra (Ezra 7:1) and of Seraiah, a ruler of the house of God (Nehemiah 11:11). He is also listed among the chief of the priests in the days of Jeshua (Nehemiah 12:7) and as the father of Hashabiah (Nehemiah 12:21). A Hilkiah is also mentioned as a son of Hosah, a gatekeeper (1 Chronicles 26:11), though it is unclear if this is the same individual as the high priest.
Reader's Guide
The passages portray Hilkiah primarily as a faithful high priest who played a pivotal role in the rediscovery of the Law and the subsequent religious reforms under King Josiah. His actions are consistently depicted as obedient and integral to the king's commands: he collects the temple money (2 Kings 22:4; 2 Chronicles 34:9), discovers the book of the law (2 Kings 22:8; 2 Chronicles 34:14-15), delivers it to Shaphan (2 Kings 22:8; 2 Chronicles 34:15), participates in the delegation to Huldah (2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 34:22), and carries out the purging of idolatrous vessels (2 Kings 23:4). He also gives generously for the Passover (2 Chronicles 35:8). The genealogical references (1 Chronicles 6:13; Ezra 7:1; Nehemiah 11:11) establish his priestly lineage and his importance as an ancestor of later leaders. The passages do not provide any negative information about Hilkiah, presenting him as a central figure in the preservation and implementation of the law.
Did You Know?
- The Hilkiah who is father of Eliakim (Isaiah 22:20) served under King Hezekiah, a century before Josiah, so he is likely a different person from the high priest.
- The book of the law that Hilkiah found is explicitly said to be 'given by Moses' (2 Chronicles 34:14).
- A Hilkiah is listed among the chief priests in the days of Jeshua after the return from exile (Nehemiah 12:7).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Hilkiah in the Old Testament?
He served as the high priest during King Josiah’s reign over Judah. His genealogy lists Shallum as his father and Azariah and Eliakim as his sons.
What major event is associated with Hilkiah?
He discovered a copy of the Book of the Law while workers were repairing the temple structure. This finding prompted King Josiah to initiate widespread religious changes.
Did Hilkiah have any specific duties during the reforms?
Yes, he was tasked by the king with removing idolatrous items from the sanctuary. He helped ensure that only approved vessels remained for worship services.
Which biblical books mention Hilkiah?
His name appears in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Isaiah, and 1 Chronicles. These texts document his priestly lineage and actions during Josiah’s time.
Why is Hilkiah considered important for scripture history?
He played a pivotal role by restoring the law that had been neglected or lost. His actions directly influenced the spiritual direction of the nation at that moment.
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