Isaiah 38:21 – “Isaiah had said, ‘Prepare a poultice of figs and apply it to the boil, and he will recover.'”
Extended Explanation
This verse provides a practical detail about how Hezekiah’s healing came about. The prophet Isaiah instructed that a poultice of figs be applied to the boil that was causing Hezekiah’s illness, and the action resulted in his recovery. The use of a natural remedy here shows that God sometimes works through ordinary means to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
While God had promised Hezekiah healing in response to his prayer, the use of a fig poultice demonstrates that faith and action often go hand in hand. God performed the healing, but He called Isaiah and those around Hezekiah to take practical steps as part of the process. This verse highlights the intersection of divine power and human responsibility.
Historical Context
Isaiah 38 recounts the story of King Hezekiah’s serious illness and his heartfelt prayer for healing. Initially, the prophet Isaiah told Hezekiah that he would not recover. However, after Hezekiah’s prayer, God extended his life by fifteen years. This verse explains one of the steps taken in response to God’s promise of healing.
In the ancient world, figs were sometimes used for medicinal purposes, and the application of a poultice was a common practice. This context helps us understand that God often works within the natural order, using familiar tools and methods to bring about His purposes.
Theological Implications
Isaiah 38:21 underscores the truth that God is sovereign over all aspects of life, including health and healing. It also shows that God often involves human effort in His plans. While the healing was ultimately from God, He called on Isaiah and others to act in faith by preparing and applying the poultice.
This verse teaches that faith does not exclude practical steps. Trusting God means believing in His power to heal while also being faithful to do what He asks, whether that involves prayer, using resources at hand, or seeking wise counsel.
Literary Analysis
Isaiah 38:21 is straightforward and descriptive, providing a practical detail that contrasts with the more poetic and reflective verses in the chapter. It serves as a bridge between God’s promise of healing and its fulfillment, showing that God’s word is carried out through concrete actions. The verse highlights the interplay between the spiritual and physical realms, illustrating how God’s divine will manifests in tangible ways.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 2 Kings 5:10: Elisha tells Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times to be healed of leprosy. Like the poultice, this act was a practical step tied to God’s healing power.
- Mark 8:23: Jesus uses spit and touches a man’s eyes to heal him, showing that God often uses physical means in miraculous works.
- James 5:14-15: “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” This passage reflects the combination of faith, prayer, and physical action in seeking healing.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Isaiah 38:21 is a reminder that God often works through ordinary means to accomplish His purposes. While we should seek God’s help in prayer, we are also called to take practical steps, trusting that He can use them as part of His plan. This might include seeking medical treatment, following wise advice, or using the resources He provides.
The verse also encourages believers to view all healing, whether through miraculous or natural means, as ultimately coming from God. He is the source of life and health, working through both the spiritual and physical aspects of our lives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s loving care for His people. God heard Hezekiah’s prayer and responded with a promise of healing. By using a simple remedy, He showed that He is concerned with both the physical and spiritual well-being of His children. God’s provision of healing through accessible means demonstrates His compassion and attentiveness to human needs.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Isaiah 38:21 points to the holistic nature of God’s salvation, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Just as God provided physical healing for Hezekiah, Jesus came to bring healing for both body and soul. His ministry on earth often included physical healings that pointed to His authority to forgive sins and restore wholeness (Matthew 9:6).
Ultimately, Jesus’ death and resurrection secured eternal healing for believers. In the new creation, there will be no more sickness or pain (Revelation 21:4), fulfilling the hope glimpsed in Hezekiah’s story.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you see God working through ordinary means in your life?
- How does this verse encourage you to combine faith and action in your relationship with God?
- What does this verse teach you about God’s care for both your physical and spiritual well-being?
- How does Jesus’ ministry of healing deepen your understanding of God’s power and love?
- In what ways can you trust God’s sovereignty over your health and the resources available to you?
Isaiah 38:21 reminds us that God’s healing often involves both prayer and practical action. It challenges us to trust Him fully while being faithful with the resources and instructions He provides. Through Jesus Christ, we see the ultimate expression of God’s desire to heal and restore, giving us hope for both this life and the life to come.