And Isaiah said, “Bring a cake of figs. And let them take and lay it on the boil, that he may recover.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
God's healing touch often comes through ordinary, even mundane, means – in this case, a poultice made of figs. It's a powerful reminder that we shouldn't overlook the practical, earthly steps God might be leading us through in our moments of need. Even the simplest remedies can be instruments of divine restoration.
And Isaiah said, “Bring a cake of figs. And let them take and lay it on the boil, that he may recover.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Hezekiah has just received a death sentence from God through the prophet Isaiah, but he humbly prays and God extends his life by fifteen years. This verse describes the specific, practical remedy Isaiah prescribes for Hezekiah's seemingly fatal boil: a poultice made of figs, which will be the means of his recovery. The chapter concludes with Hezekiah's miraculous recovery and the impressive, albeit slightly boastful, display of his treasures to Babylonian envoys.
When King Hezekiah was on his deathbed, facing a deadly boil, God didn't send an angel or a miraculous beam of light. Instead, He used something incredibly ordinary.
God Works Through the Mundane
It's easy to expect big, flashy signs when we pray for healing or intervention. But notice what God instructed Isaiah to do: 'Bring a cake of figs.' Figs were a common, readily available fruit, often used for medicinal purposes in ancient times.
This isn't to say God can't do the spectacular. He absolutely can! But often, He chooses to work through the means we have available to us – practical, everyday things. The power isn't in the figs themselves, but in God's decree and Isaiah's obedience.
This teaches us that we shouldn't overlook simple remedies, natural solutions, or the practical steps God lays before us when seeking His help.
The instruction was simple, but the action required faith and obedience from both Isaiah and Hezekiah's servants. What does this simple act reveal about how God's power is accessed?
The Power of Applying God's Word
God's instructions, even when they seem mundane, carry divine power when met with obedience. Isaiah didn't question the figs; he relayed the message. Hezekiah's servants presumably applied the poultice without hesitation.
This highlights a crucial principle: God's power often flows through our willing participation. The 'cake of figs' becomes the conduit for God's healing touch because it was applied . It wasn't magic; it was obedience to a divine directive.
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This means our trust isn't just in the outcome, but in the faithfulness of God to act when we obey His specific instructions, no matter how small they seem.
Understand the original words
šəḥîn · Hebrew Noun
A general term for an inflamed swelling, sore, or ulcer, often used in scripture to describe a severe physical ailment or plague.
ḥāyâ · Hebrew Verb
A state of wholeness, survival, or restoration; in a covenantal context, it often refers to the continuation of life granted by God's grace.
This event shows God's direct intervention in healing King Hezekiah, even using a common medicinal practice of the time—a fig poultice—as the means for recovery.
c. 701 BC
Sennacherib's Invasion
The Assyrian king Sennacherib invaded Judah, conquering many cities and besieging Jerusalem. King Hezekiah was put in a difficult position.
c. 701 BC
Hezekiah's Illness and Isaiah's Visit
King Hezekiah became gravely ill, near death. The prophet Isaiah visited him and told him to set his house in order, for he would die.
c. 701 BC
Hezekiah's Prayer and Deliverance
Hezekiah wept and prayed to the Lord for healing and more time. God heard his prayer, and Isaiah returned with a message of 15 more years of life.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Isaiah's Remedy for Hezekiah
Isaiah instructed that a poultice of figs be brought and applied to Hezekiah's boil. This folk remedy was believed to help draw out infection and promote healing.
c. 686 BC
Hezekiah's Death
King Hezekiah died after reigning for 29 years, having received the divine promise of 15 additional years.
This passage is the parallel account in Isaiah, giving the same command and outcome for King Hezekiah's illness.
Jeremiah 8:22This verse expresses a similar lament about the lack of healing in Gilead, reflecting a community's desperation for remedies, just as Hezekiah desperately needed one.
Luke 10:34The parable of the Good Samaritan shows practical, compassionate use of healing elements like oil and wine, echoing the spirit of using available remedies for restoration.
1 Timothy 5:23Paul advises Timothy to 'no longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments,' demonstrating the wise and practical use of natural remedies for health.
God's healing touch often comes through ordinary, even mundane, means – in this case, a poultice made of figs. It's a powerful reminder that we shouldn't overlook the practical, earthly steps God might be leading us through in our moments of need. Even the simplest remedies can be instruments of divine restoration.
King Hezekiah has just received a death sentence from God through the prophet Isaiah, but he humbly prays and God extends his life by fifteen years. This verse describes the specific, practical remedy Isaiah prescribes for Hezekiah's seemingly fatal boil: a poultice made of figs, which will be the means of his recovery. The chapter concludes with Hezekiah's miraculous recovery and the impressive, albeit slightly boastful, display of his treasures to Babylonian envoys.
King Hezekiah has just received a death sentence from God through the prophet Isaiah, but he humbly prays and God extends his life by fifteen years. This verse describes the specific, practical remedy Isaiah prescribes for Hezekiah's seemingly fatal boil: a poultice made of figs, which will be the means of his recovery. The chapter concludes with Hezekiah's miraculous recovery and the impressive, albeit slightly boastful, display of his treasures to Babylonian envoys.
"And Isaiah said, “Bring a cake of figs. And let them take and lay it on the boil, that he may recover.”" — God's healing touch often comes through ordinary, even mundane, means – in this case, a poultice made of figs. It's a powerful reminder that we shouldn't overlook the practical, earthly steps God mig…
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Last reviewed October 2026