The theological significance of the propeht Huldah's prophecy : a feminist perspective on 2 Kings 22:14-20

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The question I am attempting to answer, IS What is the theologicalsignificance of the prophecy ofHuldah, the prophet? Why is Huldah there?Scholars have offered different reasons for the presence of Huldah in 2 Kings22. Why Huldah and not one of the other male prophets, has been approachedto enquire from the Lord. The explanations offered, can all be challenged.It does not supply us with convincing theories which can be used to examinethe theological significance of the prophecy of Huldah.I would therefore argue, that the text itself, supply us with clues which can beused to discuss the theological significance of the prophecy of Huldah.Seeing that the text is part of the Deuteronomistic History, clues (to helpwith the understanding of Huldah),would therefore also be found within thishistory. In other words, the literary context as well as the Deuteronomisticbackground of 2 Kings 22, provide us with clues for the theologicalsignificance of Huldah as a prophet. Furthermore, I would like to argue thatthe interpretations made from the clues could be enriched by the fact that Iam a woman. A feminist approach could introduce a different perspective1 therefore did a close reading of the text, 2 Kings 22 1-20 with specific focuson 2 Kings 2214-20. Special attention is given to the language used, thecharacters included in the story as well as the context of the story. In orderto try and get a better understanding of the language, the Hebrew text wasused as point of departure and a translation to Engli h was made to use in mydiscu sion.Through my journey with Huldah, t have been inspired The inclusion ofHuldah, highlights the presence of female prophets in the history of Israel.God calls women as well as men. Huldah can be used a a different model for women. In her patriarchal society, she was a married woman who was also aprophet. A prophet who was repected by her people. The king sent histrusted attendants (five males) to enquire from the Lord and they went toHuldah, the prophet. Therefore, the story of Huldah emphasises the fact thatwomen also played important roles in the history of Israel.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University