Isaiah 38:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 38:21 records a specific instruction from the prophet Isaiah to apply a poultice of figs to King Hezekiah's life-threatening boil, an action that coincided with his miraculous recovery. This verse highlights the interplay between divine intervention and the use of practical, natural means in the process of healing, underscoring God's sovereignty even as He works through human agency and available resources.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal narrative in the book of Isaiah, specifically in chapters 38-39, which serve as an appendix to the main prophetic messages. Prior to this verse, King Hezekiah has been informed by Isaiah that his illness is terminal and he should set his house in order ([Isaiah 38:1](/isaiah/38-1 "Isaiah 38:1 - Hezekiah's Terminal Illness")). In response, Hezekiah prays fervently and weeps bitterly, prompting God to send Isaiah back with a new message: Hezekiah's life will be extended by fifteen years, and Jerusalem will be delivered from the Assyrians ([Isaiah 38:4-6](/isaiah/38-4 "Isaiah 38:4-6 - God's Promise of Extended Life and Deliverance")). Verse 21, along with the parallel account in [2 Kings 20:7](/2_kings/20-7 "2 Kings 20:7 - The Parallel Account of Hezekiah's Healing"), describes the practical, medicinal step taken to facilitate the king's physical recovery, following the divine promise. The subsequent verses in [Isaiah 38](/isaiah/38 "Isaiah 38 - Hezekiah's Song of Thanksgiving") contain Hezekiah's psalm of thanksgiving, reflecting on his deliverance from death.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah reigned over Judah during a period of significant geopolitical tension, primarily from the encroaching Assyrian Empire. His illness occurred around the time of Sennacherib's invasion of Judah (c. 701 BC), a period of great national distress. The "boil" (Hebrew: *shᵉchîyn*) mentioned in the text was likely a severe, possibly life-threatening, ulcer or tumor. Ancient Near Eastern medicine, while not scientific in the modern sense, often employed natural remedies derived from plants, minerals, and animal products. Figs were widely cultivated and recognized for their emollient, anti-inflammatory, and drawing properties, making them a common ingredient in poultices used to treat boils, abscesses, and other skin conditions. The application of a "lump of figs" as a "plaister" (poultice) was a known, practical medicinal approach of the time, demonstrating that even in instances of divine healing, God could work through natural means familiar to the culture.
* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Compassion**, as God, in response to Hezekiah's prayer, supernaturally intervenes to reverse a death sentence. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **God's Use of Human Means**, demonstrating that divine power does not negate the use of practical, earthly remedies. The fig poultice was not the *cause* of the healing, which was divinely promised, but rather the *means* through which the physical manifestation of that healing occurred. This points to a nuanced understanding of **Faith and Action**, where obedience to a divine instruction (applying the poultice) accompanies and participates in the promised miracle. Finally, it offers a glimpse into **Ancient Medicinal Practices**, grounding the miraculous narrative in the realities of the period and showing God's engagement with the physical world. The entire account in [Isaiah 38](/isaiah/38 "Isaiah 38 - Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery") emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant people and His personal care for His king.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lump (Hebrew, _dᵉbêlâh'_):** From an unused root probably meaning "to press together," this term refers to a cake of pressed figs. In ancient times, figs were often dried and pressed into cakes for storage and transport, and these cakes were also known for their medicinal properties. Here, it specifically denotes the material used for the poultice.
* **boil (Hebrew, _shᵉchîyn'_):** This word describes an inflammation, an ulcer, or a festering sore. It is the same term used to describe the boils inflicted upon the Egyptians during the plagues ([Exodus 9:9](/exodus/9-9 "Exodus 9:9 - The Plague of Boils")) and Job's severe affliction ([Job 2:7](/job/2-7 "Job 2:7 - Job's Affliction with Boils")). It indicates a serious, painful, and potentially life-threatening skin condition.
* **recover (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to live," "to revive," or "to be whole." It encompasses both literal and figurative life, and causatively, to restore or quicken. In this context, it signifies Hezekiah's restoration to health and the preservation of his life, directly linking to God's promise of adding fifteen years to his life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For Isaiah had said":** This introductory phrase clarifies that the instruction to use the fig poultice came directly from the prophet Isaiah, acting as God's messenger. It underscores the divine origin of the command, even though it involves a natural remedy.
* **"Let them take a lump of figs":** This is the specific instruction given. The "lump of figs" refers to a cake of dried, pressed figs, which would be softened and applied. This command highlights the practical, medicinal component of Hezekiah's recovery.
* **"and lay [it] for a plaister upon the boil":** This describes the application method. A "plaister" or poultice is a soft, moist mass applied to the body to relieve pain or inflammation. The instruction is precise, indicating a direct, targeted application to the affected area.
* **"and he shall recover":** This clause states the promised outcome. The recovery is presented as a certainty, directly linked to the divine promise of extended life, even though a natural means is employed. This outcome is ultimately God's work, manifested through the prescribed action.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices. **Narrative Detail** is prominent, providing a specific and practical instruction that grounds the miraculous healing in a tangible, relatable action. This detail adds verisimilitude to the account. There is an element of **Symbolism** in the fig poultice itself; while a genuine ancient remedy, its inclusion in a divinely ordained healing highlights that God can use the ordinary to achieve the extraordinary. It symbolizes God's willingness to work through available means, even simple ones, rather than always resorting to overtly supernatural displays. Furthermore, the passage demonstrates **Divine-Human Interaction**, where God's will is communicated through His prophet, and human action (applying the poultice) is required in response, underscoring the principle of obedience in the face of divine promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 38:21 profoundly illustrates the theological truth that God's miraculous power often works in conjunction with, rather than in opposition to, natural processes and human responsibility. While Hezekiah's healing was a direct, supernatural intervention in response to fervent prayer, the instruction to apply the fig poultice demonstrates that God can use ordinary means to bring about His extraordinary purposes. This teaches us that faith in God's power does not preclude the use of wisdom, medicine, or practical steps available to us. It underscores a holistic view of divine providence, where God is sovereign over both the miraculous and the mundane, orchestrating all things for His glory and our good.

* [2 Kings 20:7](/2_kings/20-7 "2 Kings 20:7 - Parallel Account of Hezekiah's Healing")
* [James 5:14-15](/james/5-14 "James 5:14-15 - Prayer for the Sick")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Hezekiah's healing, culminating in the instruction of Isaiah 38:21, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It challenges us to hold in tension the belief in God's absolute power to heal miraculously and the wisdom of utilizing the medical and practical resources He has provided. When facing illness or difficult circumstances, our primary posture should be one of fervent prayer and trust in God's sovereignty, as Hezekiah demonstrated. However, this trust should not lead to a rejection of medical science or practical steps. Instead, it invites us to see these as potential instruments in God's hand, through which He may choose to work. The fig poultice was not a magical cure, but a simple, natural remedy that God ordained to accompany His promised healing. This encourages us to pursue wisdom, seek appropriate help, and act responsibly, all while maintaining our ultimate faith and dependence on the Lord, who is the ultimate source of all healing and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Hezekiah's story challenge or affirm your understanding of divine healing and the role of medicine?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to both pray fervently and take practical, responsible action?**
* **How can you cultivate a balanced perspective that trusts God's sovereignty while also valuing the wisdom and resources He provides?**

### FAQ

**Was the fig poultice the actual cure for Hezekiah's boil, or was it a miracle?**

Answer: The healing of Hezekiah was fundamentally a miracle, a direct divine intervention in response to his prayer, as God explicitly promised to add fifteen years to his life before the poultice was even mentioned ([Isaiah 38:5](/isaiah/38-5 "God's Promise to Hezekiah")). The fig poultice was a natural remedy common in ancient medicine for boils, and its application was an instruction from God through Isaiah. It served as a means through which the physical manifestation of the divine healing occurred, demonstrating that God can work through both supernatural and natural channels. It was not the poultice itself that cured Hezekiah, but God's power working through the poultice as an act of obedience.

**Why would God command a natural remedy if He was going to heal miraculously?**

Answer: God's decision to command a natural remedy alongside a miraculous healing highlights His sovereignty over all creation, including natural processes. It demonstrates that God is not limited to only one mode of operation; He can heal instantly and supernaturally, or He can choose to work through the ordinary means He has established in the world. This approach also underscores the importance of human obedience and participation in God's plans. It teaches us that faith does not always negate action, and that God often uses available resources and human wisdom to accomplish His will, inviting us to be co-laborers with Him. This principle is seen throughout Scripture, where divine power is often accompanied by human responsibility, such as the command to "roll away the stone" before raising Lazarus ([John 11:39](/john/11-39 "Jesus Commands to Roll Away the Stone")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 38:21, though describing a physical healing in the Old Testament, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Great Physician. Hezekiah's recovery from a life-threatening boil, enabled by both divine promise and a practical remedy, foreshadows the comprehensive healing that Christ offers—not merely physical, but spiritual and eternal. Just as God heard Hezekiah's prayer and extended his life, so too does Christ hear the cries of humanity, offering new life and deliverance from the ultimate "boil" of sin and death. The application of the fig poultice, a natural means, can be seen as a shadow of the various means Christ employs for healing and salvation: His words of truth ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "Words of Life")), His touch of compassion ([Matthew 8:3](/matthew/8-3 "Jesus Heals a Leper")), and ultimately, His sacrificial death and resurrection, which is the ultimate remedy for humanity's deepest sickness ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "By His Wounds You Have Been Healed")). Christ's healing power is not limited by human means or natural remedies, yet He often uses them, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering complete recovery and eternal life to all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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;