What does 2 Kings 20:7 mean?
"And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered." - 2 Kings 20:7
The Bible verse 2 Kings 20:7 in the King James Version (KJV) states: "And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered."
This passage is part of the story of Hezekiah, the king of Judah, who became deathly ill and was given a message from God through the prophet Isaiah that he was about to die. In response to this message, Hezekiah wept and prayed to God, pleading for mercy and recounting all the good he had done for God's people. In response to Hezekiah's prayer, God then promised to add fifteen years to his life and deliver him and his city from the king of Assyria.
The specific verse, 2 Kings 20:7, comes shortly after this promise. Isaiah instructs Hezekiah to take a lump of figs and apply it to the boil or sore that had developed as a result of his illness. Hezekiah followed the prophet's instructions, and he soon recovered, leading to the fulfillment of God's promise of extended life.
This verse presents several themes and messages that are significant for understanding the broader narrative of Hezekiah's illness and recovery. One theme that emerges from this passage is the power of prayer and faith. Hezekiah's immediate response to the news of his impending death was to pray to God, reminding Him of his faithfulness and asking for mercy. It is evident that God listened to Hezekiah's heartfelt plea and responded by granting him more time on earth. This reinforces the idea that prayer and faith in God can lead to miraculous outcomes.
Another significant theme in this verse is the use of natural remedies in conjunction with divine intervention. The application of figs to Hezekiah's boil is an example of using a natural remedy to aid in his healing. This act can be seen as a demonstration of Hezekiah's willingness to trust in God's guidance, even when it comes in unexpected or unconventional forms. It serves as a reminder that God can work through various means to bring about healing and restoration.
Moreover, the narrative provides a powerful symbol of God's sovereignty and His ability to defy human expectations. In the face of a seemingly insurmountable illness, God intervenes and extends Hezekiah's life, showcasing His power over life and death. This symbolizes the ultimate authority and control that God holds over the events of human existence, as well as His ability to bring about unexpected and miraculous outcomes.
In a broader context, this passage serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and His willingness to respond to the prayers of His people. It reinforces the idea that God is attentive to the needs and desires of His followers and can intervene to bring about positive change in their lives. The story of Hezekiah's recovery also serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance and relying on Him in times of trouble.
Overall, 2 Kings 20:7 offers a powerful message of hope, faith, and divine intervention. It highlights the significance of prayer and trust in God, as well as the unexpected ways in which He can work to bring about healing and restoration. Through the story of Hezekiah's recovery, this verse provides a timeless reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about miraculous outcomes in the lives of His people.
Have questions about 2 Kings 20:7?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
2 Kings 20:7 Artwork
2 Kings 20:7 - "And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered."
"And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered." - 2 Kings 20:7
2 Kings 7:20 - "And so it fell out unto him: for the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died."
2 Kings 7:2
2 Kings 20:20 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
"And so it fell out unto him: for the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died." - 2 Kings 7:20
2 Kings 20:2 - "Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,"
2 Kings 2:20 - "And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him."
2 Kings 20:16 - "And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD."
2 Kings 10:20 - "And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it."
2 Kings 25:20 - "And Nebuzar-adan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:"
2 Kings 7:11 - "And he called the porters; and they told it to the king's house within."
2 Kings 7:7 - "Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life."
2 Kings 14:20 - "And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David."
2 Kings 20:21 - "And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 21:20 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh did."
2 Kings 13:20 - "¶ And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year."
2 Kings 11:20 - "And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king's house."
2 Kings 8:20 - "¶ In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves."
2 Kings 2:7 - "And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan."
1 Kings 20:2 - "And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel into the city, and said unto him, Thus saith Ben-hadad,"
2 Kings 20:4 - "And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,"
1 Kings 20:7 - "Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, Mark, I pray you, and see how this man seeketh mischief: for he sent unto me for my wives, and for my children, and for my silver, and for my gold; and I denied him not."
2 Kings 12:20 - "And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla."
2 Kings 22:7 - "Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully."
2 Kings 20:10 - "And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees."
2 Kings 3:20 - "And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water."
2 Kings 16:20 - "And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead."
"Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying," - 2 Kings 20:2
1 Kings 7:20 - "And the chapiters upon the two pillars had pomegranates also above, over against the belly which was by the network: and the pomegranates were two hundred in rows round about upon the other chapiter."