Who was Tikvath?
Tikvath (also spelled Tikvah in some translations) is mentioned briefly in 2 Chronicles 34:22 as the father of Shallum, the keeper of the wardrobe during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. The name Tikvath (Hebrew: תִּקְוַת, Tiqvath) is a variant of Tikvah, which means “hope” or “expectation.” This short mention, though easily overlooked, links Tikvath to one of the most pivotal spiritual revivals in Judah‘s history.
Tikvath’s significance lies not in direct action but through his daughter-in-law, Huldah the prophetess, who played a critical role during Josiah‘s reform. Huldah was consulted when the Book of the Law was rediscovered in the temple, and she delivered God’s message concerning the coming judgment and the king’s humility (2 Chronicles 34:14–28).
Biblical References
- 2 Chronicles 34:22 (NIV):
“Hilkiah and those the king had sent with him went to speak to the prophet Huldah, who was the wife of Shallum son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the New Quarter.” - Parallel Reference:
2 Kings 22:14 mentions the same event and uses the name Tikvah instead of Tikvath, reflecting a transliteration variation rather than a separate person.
Cross-References
- 2 Kings 22:14 – Parallel passage confirming the identity of Shallum and his relationship to Tikvah/Tikvath.
- Jeremiah 29:11 – The use of “hope” (tikvah) is thematically echoed in God’s assurance to His people: “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future.”
Explanation of the Biblical Account
In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, during a time of religious reformation, the rediscovery of the Book of the Law in the temple prompted the king to seek the word of the Lord. Josiah sent his officials to Huldah the prophetess, a respected and divinely inspired woman. She was identified as the wife of Shallum, the son of Tikvath, linking Tikvath to this profound moment in Judah’s redemptive history.
Though Tikvath himself is not described in detail, his family’s position and spiritual legacy were notable. His son Shallum held an important administrative role, and his daughter-in-law served as God’s spokesperson at a critical time. The mention of Tikvath connects him to a lineage that honored God and played a role in one of Judah’s last major reforms before the Babylonian exile.
What This Means for Today’s Christians
Tikvath’s brief mention reminds believers that spiritual legacy matters. Even those who are not in the spotlight can have a lasting impact through their family and faithful living. The hope tied to his name reflects the core of the gospel message—God offers hope to His people in the midst of judgment, reform, and restoration.
Christians today are reminded that God uses both well-known leaders and quiet background figures to accomplish His purposes. Whether in leadership, administration, or simply raising a faithful family, each believer has a role in the unfolding work of God’s kingdom.
Connection to Jesus and the Gospel
The name Tikvath—“hope”—finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the hope of all nations (Matthew 12:21). Just as Huldah spoke words of warning and comfort based on the Law, Jesus came as the living Word, fulfilling the Law and offering eternal hope through His death and resurrection (John 1:14; Matthew 5:17).
Moreover, Huldah’s role as a prophetess responding to the rediscovery of Scripture prefigures how Jesus would later open the Scriptures to His disciples and fulfill all that was written concerning Himself (Luke 24:27).
Broader Biblical Themes
1. Hope in God’s Promises
The name Tikvath anchors this entry in the broader biblical theme of hope. Throughout Scripture, hope is tied to God’s promises and His redemptive plan for His people (Romans 15:13).
2. Faithfulness Across Generations
Tikvath represents a faithful lineage. From his household came a prophetess and a royal official—an example of Deuteronomy 6:6–7 lived out in practice.
3. The Power of God’s Word
The rediscovery of the Book of the Law led to national repentance. This event underscores how God‘s Word revives souls and leads to genuine transformation (Psalm 19:7-11).
4. God Uses the Humble
Though Tikvath is barely mentioned, the legacy of his family shows how God uses even minor figures to accomplish major purposes. It echoes Paul’s words that God chooses the lowly and despised to shame the mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
Reflection Questions
- What does the name Tikvath (“hope”) teach us about God’s desire for His people?
- How can we leave a spiritual legacy, even if our own roles seem hidden or small?
- How does the rediscovery of God’s Word in Josiah’s time parallel the need for personal revival today?
- Are we faithful to honor God not only in our own lives but also by nurturing faith in the next generation?
- In what ways does our “background role” support God’s work in our communities and churches?
- How does Jesus Christ fulfill the biblical theme of tikvah (hope)?
- What impact does Scripture have on your life today—personally, in your home, and in your church?
- Are we as responsive to God’s Word as Josiah was when it was rediscovered?
- How might we encourage others to recognize their seemingly small part in God’s larger plan?
- What would it look like to be remembered—not for fame—but for our faithfulness in the Lord’s story?
Though Tikvath’s name appears only once, the echo of hope it carries, and the fruit borne from his family, remind every believer that God sees, remembers, and uses the faithful—whether or not history records their deeds in detail.