Isaiah 38:21

For Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay [it] for a plaister upon the boil, and he shall recover.

For Isaiah {H3470} had said {H559}, Let them take {H5375} a lump {H1690} of figs {H8384}, and lay it for a plaister {H4799} upon the boil {H7822}, and he shall recover {H2421}.

Then Yesha'yahu said, "Have them take a fig-plaster and apply it to the inflammation, and he will recover."

Now Isaiah had said, “Prepare a lump of pressed figs and apply it to the boil, and he will recover.”

Now Isaiah had said, Let them take a cake of figs, and lay it for a plaster upon the boil, and he shall recover.

Isaiah 38:21 records a specific instruction given by the prophet Isaiah concerning King Hezekiah's severe illness. This verse provides a unique glimpse into the intersection of divine intervention and practical medicinal approaches in ancient Israel.

Context

This verse is part of the larger narrative detailing King Hezekiah's life-threatening illness. Earlier in chapter 38, Isaiah had delivered God's message that Hezekiah would die (Isaiah 38:1). However, after Hezekiah's fervent prayer and tears, God sent Isaiah back with a new message: He would add fifteen years to Hezekiah's life and deliver him from the hand of the Assyrian king (Isaiah 38:5). Verse 21 describes the practical step taken to facilitate the physical recovery, which is also recounted in the parallel account in 2 Kings 20:7.

Key Themes

  • Divine Power and Human Means: The primary message is God's miraculous intervention to heal King Hezekiah. Yet, God often uses natural means and human actions to bring about His will. The application of the fig poultice was a practical step, not a magical cure, but a method through which God's promised healing was manifested.
  • Ancient Medicinal Practices: The use of a "lump of figs" as a "plaister" (poultice) upon a "boil" (a festering sore or tumor) reflects common ancient medical knowledge. Figs were known for their emollient and drawing properties, often used to ripen boils or draw out infection. This demonstrates that biblical accounts are grounded in the realities of their time.
  • Faith and Action: While Hezekiah's healing was a direct result of God's compassion in response to his prayer, the instruction to apply the figs demonstrates an element of obedience and participation in the healing process, even after the divine promise was given.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "boil" here is shechin (שְׁחִין), which refers to a festering sore, ulcer, or tumor. It's the same word used to describe the boils inflicted upon the Egyptians during the plagues (Exodus 9:9) and Job's affliction (Job 2:7). The "plaister" (or poultice) from figs was a recognized remedy for such conditions in the ancient Near East, valued for its medicinal properties.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God's miraculous power does not always negate the use of practical wisdom or natural remedies. While we pray for divine healing, it is not contradictory to also seek medical advice and treatment. God can work through both extraordinary and ordinary means. It highlights a balanced view where faith in God's ultimate power coexists with responsible action and the utilization of available resources. Our trust is in God, who can use various instruments, including simple natural remedies, to bring about His purposes, whether it's healing, comfort, or restoration in our lives today.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Kings 20:7

    And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid [it] on the boil, and he recovered.

  • 2 Kings 20:8

    And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What [shall be] the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day?

  • John 9:6

    When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

  • Mark 7:33

    And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

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