The story of Hezekiah’s healing and the use of figs as a sign of healing in the Bible is found in the Book of Isaiah and briefly mentioned in the Book of Kings. This event provides profound insight into God’s interaction with His people, the role of faith, and the symbolic use of natural elements in biblical narratives. To thoroughly explore this topic, we will delve into the historical context, the significance of figs in ancient Israel, the king’s illness, the prophet Isaiah’s role, and God’s response through healing.
Hezekiah’s Illness and Prayer
King Hezekiah ruled over Judah around the late 8th century BC, during a tumultuous period in the history of Israel and Judah. He is described as a righteous king who “did what was right in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 18:3, NKJV) by removing idolatry and restoring worship of the true God. However, despite his faithfulness, the king falls gravely ill:
“In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.”‘” (2 Kings 20:1, NKJV)
This dire pronouncement from the prophet Isaiah serves as a pivotal moment in the king’s life. Perhaps the infection from his “boil” had spread and was aggressively threatening to take his life. In the king’s case, the illness had gotten to a place where no ordinary treatment could help. The king might have felt that God should do some unusual act to save his life.
Faced with imminent death, the king turns to prayer:
“Then he turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the Lord, saying, ‘Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what was good in Your sight.’ And Hezekiah wept bitterly.” (2 Kings 20:2-3, NKJV)
The king’s prayer is heartfelt and emphasizes his devotion to God and his desire to continue serving Him faithfully. This prayer sets the stage for God’s response through the prophet Isaiah.
Isaiah’s Prophecy and God’s Response
Isaiah, upon delivering the message of impending death, receives further instructions from God to convey a message of healing to the king:
“And it happened, before Isaiah had gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, “Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: ‘I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord. And I will add to your days fifteen years. I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for My own sake, and for the sake of My servant David.'”‘” (2 Kings 20:4-6, NKJV)
God responds to the king’s prayer with mercy and grace, promising not only to heal him but also to extend his life by fifteen years. This assurance is accompanied by a sign that would validate the healing.
The Sign of the Figs
As a sign of the forthcoming healing, God instructs Isaiah:
“‘Take a lump of figs.’ So they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.” (2 Kings 20:7, NKJV)
The use of figs in this context serves as a symbolic gesture of God’s healing power and His faithfulness to His promise. Figs were known for their medicinal properties in ancient times, being used for various ailments and as a poultice for wounds. In the king’s case, the figs serve both a practical and symbolic purpose, demonstrating God’s intention to restore the king’s health miraculously.
Symbolism of Figs in Ancient Israel
To understand why God used figs specifically, it’s essential to explore the significance of figs in ancient Israelite culture and religious symbolism:
1. Nutritional and Medicinal Value
Figs were a staple food in the Mediterranean region, including ancient Israel. They were valued for their nutritional content and were eaten fresh or dried. Additionally, they were used in traditional medicine for their healing properties, particularly in treating skin conditions and wounds.
The demonstration of a case for divine healing does not eliminate the use of natural remedies. The use of such treatments does not reveal a lack of faith. On the contrary, a refusal to do so is presumption and shows a lack of good judgment.
The Lord might have healed Hezekiah without the use of this fig poultice, but where natural remedies are available, the Lord desires that they should be used in the healing of disease. Therefore, it is our privilege, after offering a prayer for healing (James 5:14-16) to do all in our ability to bring about healing from suffering and help stop the spread of illness through natural methods.
2. Symbol of Prosperity and Blessing
In the biblical context, figs symbolized prosperity and blessing. The tree of this fruit was often used metaphorically to represent Israel’s spiritual condition and relationship with God. For example, Jesus uses the fig tree as a symbol in his teachings (Matthew 24:32-35), and it appears throughout the Old Testament as a sign of God’s favor and abundance (Micah 4:4; Zechariah 3:10).
3. A Sign of Restoration
In Hezekiah’s case, the use of figs symbolizes God’s intention to restore the king to health and extend his life. The application of this fruit to the boil was not merely a medical treatment but a visible sign of God’s healing power and His faithfulness to His promises. It reinforced the message of restoration and renewal that accompanied God’s assurance to the king through Isaiah.
Theological Themes
1. Divine Healing
The healing of the king illustrates God’s sovereignty over life and death. It demonstrates His ability to intervene supernaturally in response to prayer and faith. The king’s recovery is not attributed to natural remedies alone but to God’s direct intervention, affirming His role as the Divine Healer.
2. Faith and Prayer
Hezekiah’s response to illness-turning to God in prayer-highlights the importance of faith and trust in God’s providence. His prayer reflects a deep personal relationship with God and a genuine appeal for mercy and restoration. God honors the king’s faithfulness by granting his request and providing a tangible sign of His healing power.
3. Divine Promise and Covenant Faithfulness
God’s promise to heal Hezekiah and extend his life by fifteen years underscores His faithfulness to His covenant with David and His commitment to protect His people. The extension of the king’s life serves a greater purpose in God’s plan for Israel, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises and the preservation of His chosen people.
Practical Application
1. Trust in God’s Promises
Hezekiah’s story encourages believers to trust in God’s promises, even in the face of adversity and illness. His example demonstrates that God hears and answers prayers according to His will and timing. It encourages individuals to approach God with humility, faith, and persistence in prayer.
2. Recognition of God’s Sovereignty
The use of figs as a sign of healing reminds believers of God’s sovereignty over all aspects of life, including health and well-being. It serves as a reminder that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people and that He has the power to intervene miraculously for their benefit.
3. Gratitude and Worship
Hezekiah’s response to God’s healing-his dedication of the Song of Hezekiah (Isaiah 38:9-20)-exemplifies gratitude and worship. It encourages believers to respond to God’s faithfulness with thanksgiving, praise, and a renewed commitment to live faithfully before Him.
Conclusion
The use of figs to heal Hezekiah in 2 Kings 20:7 illustrates God’s compassion, mercy, and faithfulness to His people. It demonstrates His ability to intervene miraculously in response to prayer and faith, using natural elements as signs of His healing power. The figs symbolize God’s intention to restore Hezekiah’s health and extend his life, providing a tangible assurance of His covenant faithfulness and sovereignty over life and death.
Hezekiah’s story encourages believers to trust in God’s promises, approach Him with faith and prayer, and recognize His sovereignty in every aspect of their lives. It serves as a reminder of God’s enduring love and care for His people, offering hope and assurance in times of illness, adversity, and uncertainty.
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