Now Isaiah had said, "Prepare a lump of pressed figs and apply it to the boil, and he will recover." Now Isaiah had saidThis phrase introduces the prophet Isaiah, a central figure in the Old Testament known for his role as a messenger of God. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which often conveys not just speaking but declaring or commanding with authority. Isaiah's words are not merely suggestions; they carry the weight of divine instruction. Historically, prophets like Isaiah were seen as God's mouthpieces, and their words were considered direct communications from God Himself. Prepare a lump of pressed figs
The instruction to "prepare a lump of pressed figs" is both practical and symbolic. In ancient times, figs were not only a common food but also used for medicinal purposes. The Hebrew word for "pressed figs" is "דְּבֵלָה" (develah), indicating a cake or mass of figs. This reflects the practical wisdom found in the Bible, where natural remedies are often employed alongside divine intervention. The use of figs here symbolizes God's provision through natural means, reminding us that God often works through the ordinary to achieve the extraordinary. and apply it to the boil
The act of applying the fig poultice to the boil is a direct and tangible action. The Hebrew word for "boil" is "שְׁחִין" (shechin), which refers to an inflamed sore or ulcer. This specific instruction highlights the importance of obedience to God's guidance, even in matters of health. It also underscores the belief that God cares about the physical well-being of His people, providing specific solutions to their ailments. and he will recover
The promise of recovery is a testament to God's power to heal and restore. The Hebrew root for "recover" is "חָיָה" (chayah), meaning to live or revive. This assurance of healing is not just physical but also spiritual, as it reflects God's desire for wholeness in every aspect of life. In the broader scriptural context, healing is often a sign of God's favor and a precursor to spiritual renewal. This phrase inspires faith in God's ability to bring about complete restoration, encouraging believers to trust in His promises. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is known for his prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah and the salvation of the Lord. In this context, he acts as a messenger of God's healing instructions to King Hezekiah. 2. HezekiahThe King of Judah who reigned during a time of great political turmoil. Hezekiah is known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to restore proper worship in Judah. In this chapter, he is ill and receives a miraculous healing. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, where Hezekiah ruled and where the events of this chapter take place. It is a central location for many significant biblical events. 4. BoilThe physical ailment that afflicted Hezekiah, which was severe enough to threaten his life. The boil represents a tangible manifestation of illness that required divine intervention for healing. 5. Pressed FigsA natural remedy prescribed by Isaiah, symbolizing the use of available resources in conjunction with faith in God's power to heal. Teaching Points Faith and ObedienceHezekiah's healing underscores the importance of faith and obedience to God's instructions. Even when the solution seems simple or unconventional, trusting in God's guidance is crucial. God's Sovereignty in HealingThe use of pressed figs highlights that God can use natural means to accomplish His purposes. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all creation and can work through ordinary means to bring about extraordinary results. Prayer and ActionWhile Hezekiah prayed for healing, he also took action by applying the remedy given by Isaiah. This teaches us the balance between prayer and taking practical steps in faith. God's CompassionHezekiah's recovery is a testament to God's compassion and willingness to extend grace and mercy to those who seek Him earnestly. The Role of ProphetsIsaiah's role as a prophet emphasizes the importance of listening to God's messengers and valuing the wisdom and guidance they provide. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's response to his illness demonstrate his faith in God, and what can we learn from his example about facing our own challenges? 2. In what ways does the use of pressed figs as a remedy illustrate the relationship between faith and practical action in our spiritual lives? 3. How can we apply the principle of seeking God's guidance in times of trouble, as demonstrated by Hezekiah, to our own decision-making processes? 4. What does Hezekiah's healing teach us about God's character, particularly His compassion and willingness to intervene in our lives? 5. How can we discern and respond to the "prophetic voices" in our lives today, and what role do they play in guiding us toward God's will? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 20:1-11This passage provides a parallel account of Hezekiah's illness and recovery, offering additional details about the events and God's promise to extend Hezekiah's life. James 5:14-15This New Testament passage discusses the role of prayer and anointing in healing, drawing a parallel to the faith and obedience demonstrated by Hezekiah in following God's instructions through Isaiah. Psalm 103:2-3This psalm praises God for His benefits, including healing all diseases, which aligns with the theme of divine healing in Hezekiah's account. People Ahaz, Amoz, David, Hezekiah, IsaiahPlaces AssyriaTopics Apply, Boil, Bunch, Cake, Diseased, Figs, Isaiah, Lay, Lump, Plaister, Plaster, Poultice, Prepare, Recover, UlcerDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 38:21 4440 fig-tree
5136 body
5297 disease
5298 doctors
5405 medicine Library The Life of the Spirit
(First Sunday after Christmas.) Isaiah xxxviii. 16. O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit. These words are the words of Hezekiah, king of Judah; and they are true words, words from God. But, if they are true words, they are true words for every one--for you and me, for every one here in this church this day: for they do not say, By these things certain men live, one man here and another man there; but all men. Whosoever is really alive, that is, has …
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country SermonsNo Man Cometh to the Father but by Me.
This being added for further confirmation of what was formerly said, will point out unto us several necessary truths, as, I. That it is most necessary to be sound and clear in this fundamental point of coming to God only in and through Christ. For, 1. It is the whole marrow of the gospel. 2. It is the hinge of our salvation, Christ is "the chief corner stone," Isa. xxxviii. 16. 1 Pet. i. 5, 6; and, 3. The only ground of all our solid and true peace and comfort. 4 An error or a mistake here, is most …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Epistle ii. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch.
To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch. Gregory to Anastasius, Patriarch of Antioch. I have received the letters of your most sweet Blessedness, which flowed with tears for words. For I saw in them a cloud flying aloft as clouds do; but, though it carried with it a darkness of sorrow, I could not easily discover at its commencement whence it came or whither it was going, since by reason of the darkness I speak of I did not fully understand its origin. Yet it becomes you, most holy ones, ever to recall …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved.
(Galilee on the Same Day as the Last Section.) ^A Matt. XII. 38-45; ^C Luke XI. 24-36. ^c 29 And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, ^a 38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee. [Having been severely rebuked by Jesus, it is likely that the scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign that they might appear to the multitude more fair-minded and open to conviction than Jesus had represented them to be. Jesus had just wrought …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Letter Xliv Concerning the Maccabees but to whom Written is Unknown.
Concerning the Maccabees But to Whom Written is Unknown. [69] He relies to the question why the Church has decreed a festival to the Maccabees alone of all the righteous under the ancient law. 1. Fulk, Abbot of Epernay, had already written to ask me the same question as your charity has addressed to your humble servant by Brother Hescelin. I have put off replying to him, being desirous to find, if possible, some statement in the Fathers about this which was asked, which I might send to him, rather …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Meditations for the Sick.
Whilst thy sickness remains, use often, for thy comfort, these few meditations, taken from the ends wherefore God sendeth afflictions to his children. Those are ten. 1. That by afflictions God may not only correct our sins past, but also work in us a deeper loathing of our natural corruptions, and so prevent us from falling into many other sins, which otherwise we would commit; like a good father, who suffers his tender babe to scorch his finger in a candle, that he may the rather learn to beware …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Assurance
Q-xxxvi: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS WHICH FLOW FROM SANCTIFICATION? A: Assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end. The first benefit flowing from sanctification is assurance of God's love. 'Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.' 2 Pet 1:10. Sanctification is the seed, assurance is the flower which grows out of it: assurance is a consequent of sanctification. The saints of old had it. We know that we know …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Power of God
The next attribute is God's power. Job 9:19. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong.' In this chapter is a magnificent description of God's power. Lo, he is strong.' The Hebrew word for strong signifies a conquering, prevailing strength. He is strong.' The superlative degree is intended here; viz., He is most strong. He is called El-shaddai, God almighty. Gen 17:7. His almightiness lies in this, that he can do whatever is feasible. Divines distinguish between authority and power. God has both. …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Isaiah 38:21 NIVIsaiah 38:21 NLTIsaiah 38:21 ESVIsaiah 38:21 NASBIsaiah 38:21 KJV
Isaiah 38:21 Commentaries
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