Harhas is a biblical figure known as the grandfather of Shallum, the husband of the prophetess Huldah. He is mentioned in connection with King Josiah's reforms when the Book of the Law was found in the temple. His significance lies primarily in his family relationship to Huldah, who played a crucial role in Judah's religious renewal.
Mentioned in connection with the finding of the Book of the Law
When the Book of the Law was found in the temple during King Josiah's reign, the prophetess Huldah was consulted. Huldah was married to Shallum, son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, who was in charge of the garments.
14So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the Second District, and they spoke with her.
Harhas is also mentioned in 2 Chronicles in the parallel account of the finding of the Book of the Law, where he is called Hasrah. His grandson Shallum was married to the prophetess Huldah.
22So Hilkiah and those the king had sent went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the Second District, and they spoke with her about this.
Through Huldah's prophetic message, given by virtue of her role as a prophetess in the family connected to Harhas, King Josiah was warned of God's coming judgment on Judah because of idolatry.
16This is what the LORD says: I am about to bring disaster on this place and on its inhabitants—everything written in the book that the king of Judah has read—
17because they have abandoned me and burned incense to other gods, provoking me to anger with all the work of their hands. My wrath burns against this place, and it will not be quenched.
Huldah, who belonged to the family of Harhas, also delivered a message of grace personally to King Josiah because he had humbled himself before the Lord.
19Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and its inhabitants—that they would become a desolation and a curse—and because you tore your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the LORD.
20Therefore I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place." So they brought back word to the king.