HOLDA (Hebr. Huldåh). — Jewish prophetess. She was the wife of Sellum, the king’s wardrobe keeper, and lived in the new quarter northwest of Jerusalem (II Reg. 22:14; II Par. 34:22).
H. must have held a highly influential position during the reign of King Iosia (638–609 B.C.), as is shown by the fact that, when the «Law of the Lord» (v. DEUTERONOMIO) was found in the Temple, a commission of priests went to her to hear God’s answer. The prophetess confirmed the authenticity of the discovered text, uttered grave threats should it not be observed, and foretold an appropriate reward for King Iosia’s reforming zeal (II Reg. 22:8–20; II Par. 34:8–28). The episode, which had great importance in the Jewish religion, took place in the 18th year of Iosia, that is, in 621 B.C.