HOLD (cf. Huldah). — Hebrew prophetess. She was the wife of Shallum, keeper of the wardrobe of the king, and lived in the new quarter to the northwest of Jerusalem (2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 34:22).
H. must have occupied a very influential position at the time of King Josiah (638–609 B.C.), as is evident from the fact that, upon the discovery of the “Law of the Lord” (cf. DEUTERONOMY) in the Temple, a commission of priests went to her to hear God’s response. The prophetess confirmed the authenticity of the text that had been found, uttered grave threats if it were not observed, and predicted an appropriate reward for King Josiah’s reforming zeal (2 Kings 22:8–20; 2 Chronicles 34:8–28). The episode, which was of great importance in Hebrew religion, occurred on the 18th day of the month of Kislev in the 18th year of Josiah’s reign, that is, in 621 B.C.