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2 Kings 20:7

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

And Isaiah {H3470} said {H559}, Take {H3947} a lump {H1690} of figs {H8384}. And they took {H3947} and laid {H7760} it on the boil {H7822}, and he recovered {H2421}.

Then Yesha'yahu said, "Prepare a fig-plaster." They brought it and laid it on the inflammation, so that he would recover.

Then Isaiah said, “Prepare a poultice of figs.” So they brought it and applied it to the boil, and Hezekiah recovered.

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

Commentary

2 Kings 20:7 KJV describes a specific action taken by King Hezekiah's servants, instructed by the prophet Isaiah, which coincided with the king's miraculous recovery from a life-threatening illness. This brief verse highlights the interplay between divine intervention and the use of natural means in God's plan.

Context of 2 Kings 20:7

This verse is part of a pivotal narrative in King Hezekiah's reign. Just before this, the prophet Isaiah had delivered a message from God to Hezekiah, stating that he would die from his illness (2 Kings 20:1). In response, Hezekiah prayed fervently and wept bitterly before the Lord (2 Kings 20:2-3). God heard his prayer and, through Isaiah, promised to add fifteen years to his life and deliver him and Jerusalem from the hand of the king of Assyria (2 Kings 20:5-6). Verse 7 then details a practical step taken by Isaiah, following this divine promise of healing.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Intervention and Healing: The primary message is God's power to heal and extend life in direct response to prayer. While a remedy was applied, the healing itself was a miracle, a direct act of God's grace and faithfulness to His covenant people.
  • The Role of Means and Faith: The "lump of figs" served as a poultice, a common ancient remedy for boils or ulcers. However, it was not the figs themselves that healed Hezekiah, but God's power working through the obedience to Isaiah's instruction. This illustrates that God can use natural means, human agents, or seemingly simple remedies as channels for His miraculous work, without diminishing His ultimate sovereignty. It highlights the principle that divine power often works in conjunction with human action or available resources.
  • Obedience to Prophetic Instruction: Isaiah's command to apply the figs was a specific instruction from the prophet of God. Hezekiah's immediate recovery after the application underscores the importance of obedience to God's revealed will, even when the means seem ordinary.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "boil" is shechin (שְׁחִין), which refers to a severe inflammation, ulcer, or tumor. This term is also used in other biblical contexts, such as the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 9:9-11) or Job's affliction (Job 2:7). Figs were known in ancient medicine for their soothing and drawing properties, often used to treat skin conditions, suggesting a practical, though divinely empowered, aspect to the healing.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • God Hears Prayer: Hezekiah's story powerfully demonstrates that God listens to and responds to the earnest prayers of His people.
  • God Uses Diverse Methods: God is not limited to one method of healing. He can heal instantly and supernaturally, or He can work through natural remedies, medical professionals, or other means. Our trust should always be in God, regardless of the method He chooses.
  • Faith and Action: While God's promise of healing was sovereign, Hezekiah and his servants still had a part to play in applying the figs. This reminds us that faith often involves taking obedient action based on God's word or direction, even if the action itself seems small or insignificant, as seen in other biblical healings like Jesus making clay to heal the blind man in John 9:6.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 38:21 (5 votes)

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

  • 2 Kings 4:41 (2 votes)

    But he said, Then bring meal. And he cast [it] into the pot; and he said, Pour out for the people, that they may eat. And there was no harm in the pot.

  • 2 Kings 2:20 (2 votes)

    And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought [it] to him.

  • 2 Kings 2:22 (2 votes)

    So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.