Isaiah 38:21

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

Isaiah 38:21 (KJV)

Context

Isaiah 38:21 appears within the historical account of King Hezekiah’s life-threatening illness and recovery. Earlier in the chapter, the prophet Isaiah tells Hezekiah to set his house in order because he will not recover. Hezekiah prays earnestly, and God responds by sending Isaiah back with a message of healing and an extension of fifteen years. This verse records Isaiah’s specific instruction: let them take a lump of figs and lay it as a plaster upon the boil, and he shall recover.

Meaning

The figs are not presented as the source of the miracle; rather, they serve as a means through which God works. The Hebrew word for “boil” (shechin) refers to an inflamed spot or ulcer, and the lump of figs was used as a poultice. Jewish commentators such as Aben Ezra, Jarchi, and Kimchi called this a “miracle within a miracle,” noting that figs were considered harmful to ulcers, yet God used them for healing. The recovery ultimately comes from God’s sovereign grace, not merely from the medicinal properties of the figs.

Biblical connections

The parallel account in 2 Kings 20:7 describes the same action, confirming that the instruction was carried out. This verse follows Hezekiah’s song of thanksgiving in verses 9-20 and precedes his question about the sign in verse 22. The narrative demonstrates that God may employ ordinary, natural means as instruments of His divine healing power.

Application

This account highlights two key truths. First, God responds to sincere prayer; Hezekiah’s heartfelt petition moved the Almighty to gracious intervention. Second, faith and obedience matter: Hezekiah trusted the prophetic word and obeyed the instruction to use the fig poultice, positioning himself to receive the promised healing. God’s healing often involves both divine initiative and human response, using humble, everyday means to accomplish His purposes.

Reflection

Hezekiah’s story reminds us that God can work through simple, practical steps. We can pray expectantly, trust His word, and follow His guidance, knowing that the power to heal belongs to Him alone.