Topical Encyclopedia The account of King Hezekiah's boil and subsequent healing is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, illustrating God's power and mercy. This event is documented in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah.Biblical Context Hezekiah was the king of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. During his reign, he faced a life-threatening illness, described as a "boil" or "ulcer," which was severe enough to bring him to the brink of death. Scriptural Account The primary account of Hezekiah's illness and healing is found in 2 Kings 20:1-11, Isaiah 38:1-8, and 2 Chronicles 32:24. In 2 Kings 20:1 , it is written: "In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, 'This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.'" Upon receiving this message, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed earnestly to the LORD, reminding God of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion. In response to his prayer, God sent Isaiah back to Hezekiah with a message of hope. 2 Kings 20:5 records God's words: "Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of My people, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the house of the LORD.'" The Healing Process God instructed Isaiah to prepare a poultice of figs and apply it to the boil, which led to Hezekiah's recovery. This method of healing, while practical, was a demonstration of God's power working through natural means. The use of figs as a medicinal remedy was not uncommon in ancient times, but in this context, it was divinely appointed. Sign of Assurance To assure Hezekiah of his healing and the promise of an additional fifteen years of life, God provided a miraculous sign. He caused the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz to move backward ten steps, as recorded in 2 Kings 20:9-11 . This supernatural event confirmed God's promise and demonstrated His control over time and nature. Theological Significance Hezekiah's healing is a testament to the power of prayer and God's responsiveness to the sincere petitions of His people. It underscores the importance of faith and reliance on God in times of distress. Furthermore, the event highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to intervene in human affairs, providing both physical healing and spiritual assurance. Historical and Cultural Insights In the ancient Near East, illness was often seen as a sign of divine displeasure or judgment. Hezekiah's illness and recovery would have been viewed within this cultural framework, emphasizing the king's relationship with God and the nation's spiritual state. The healing of Hezekiah served as a powerful witness to the people of Judah and reinforced the centrality of faith and obedience to God. Related Topics · Prayer and Healing in the Bible · Miracles of the Old Testament · The Role of Prophets in Israel · Divine Signs and Wonders Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 20:7And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 38:21 Library Hezekiah, the Praying King The Sixth Commandment The Preface to the Commandments They Shall be Called the Children of God Resources What does the Bible say about anger? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that love does not envy (1 Corinthians 13:4)? | GotQuestions.org What are presumptuous sins? | GotQuestions.org Boil: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Boil of the Philistines (Rv , Tumors) Boil: Levitical Ceremonies Prescribed For Related Terms |
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