2 Kings 20:7 – “Then Isaiah said, ‘Prepare a poultice of figs.’ They did so and applied it to the boil, and he recovered.”
Extended Explanation
In 2 Kings 20:7, after God promises to extend Hezekiah’s life, the prophet Isaiah instructs that a poultice of figs be applied to Hezekiah’s boil, which leads to his recovery. This verse highlights the combination of divine intervention and practical means of healing. Although God had declared that Hezekiah would recover, He also provided a specific, tangible method for the healing to take place. The use of figs, a natural remedy in ancient times, shows that God works through both supernatural means and ordinary, physical methods to bring about healing.
This verse illustrates that faith and medicine are not mutually exclusive. God’s miraculous promise to heal Hezekiah was fulfilled, but He used a medicinal remedy as part of that process. This reminds us that while God can heal miraculously, He often works through the natural means available to us.
Historical Context
At this time, Hezekiah had been seriously ill, and it was expected that he would die from this illness. Boils or similar skin infections were common in the ancient world and could be fatal if left untreated, especially in a time without advanced medical care. The practice of using natural remedies, like figs, was widespread in the ancient Near East, and figs were believed to have medicinal properties for treating wounds or skin conditions.
Hezekiah’s illness also came at a critical moment in Judah’s history. With the threat of the Assyrian Empire looming, the kingdom needed a strong and healthy leader. His recovery not only restored him physically but also provided hope and stability to the nation.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse demonstrates that God often uses ordinary means to accomplish His divine purposes. Though God had promised to heal Hezekiah, He instructed Isaiah to use a common remedy to bring about that healing. This shows that God values human participation in His work, and He can use natural processes to fulfill His will. It’s a reminder that God’s power is not limited to the miraculous but also works through the everyday and the practical.
It also highlights the importance of obedience. God had given Isaiah specific instructions, and the healing came about when those instructions were followed. This shows that faith requires action—Hezekiah’s healing was the result of both God’s promise and the application of the fig poultice.
Literary Analysis
This verse serves as the practical outworking of God’s promise to heal Hezekiah. The narrative moves from the divine promise of healing in the previous verses to the practical steps needed to bring that healing about. The use of the word “recovered” at the end of the verse serves as the fulfillment of what God had promised just moments before. The simplicity of the language highlights the effectiveness of the remedy, showing that sometimes simple actions can have profound results when directed by God.
Biblical Cross-References
The use of natural remedies in conjunction with God’s healing power can be compared to other biblical instances where practical action accompanies divine intervention. For example, in John 9:6, Jesus used mud to heal a blind man’s eyes, combining both a physical substance and His divine power. Similarly, in 2 Kings 4:41, Elisha uses flour to purify a pot of harmful stew. These examples reinforce the idea that God often works through the natural world to accomplish His purposes.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse reminds us that God’s healing can come in many forms. While we should have faith in God’s power to heal, we also shouldn’t dismiss the use of medicine or natural remedies. God often uses both spiritual and physical means to bring about healing, and this verse encourages believers to trust in both prayer and the wisdom found in practical solutions.
It also teaches that faith and action go hand in hand. Hezekiah’s healing required both divine promise and human obedience. This encourages Christians to take action in their faith, trusting that God can work through even the simplest means to bring about His purposes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s deep care for His people, not only in spiritual matters but also in their physical well-being. God could have healed Hezekiah instantly without any human involvement, but instead, He chose to work through a common medicinal treatment, showing that He values and cares for the whole person—body and spirit. This demonstrates His love and compassion, not just for Hezekiah but for all who seek Him in times of need. God is attentive to both our spiritual and physical needs, providing for us in ways that are accessible and practical.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ, who often combined the physical with the spiritual in His ministry of healing. Just as God provided a practical remedy for Hezekiah’s illness, Jesus used physical touch, mud, and spit to heal people during His ministry (John 9:6; Mark 7:33). Moreover, Jesus came as both the divine healer and the one who cares for all of humanity’s needs—spiritual, emotional, and physical. Ultimately, Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to heal, offering not just temporary relief but eternal healing through His death and resurrection (Isaiah 53:5).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can we balance trusting in God for healing with using the resources available to us, such as medicine or natural remedies?
- What does Hezekiah’s story teach us about the importance of obedience and following God’s instructions in our lives?
- In what ways have you experienced God working through ordinary means to bring about extraordinary results?