Figs…

 

Figs…

One set on my grandparents had figs…and they were sooooo delicious….and I still love them when I can find them, fresh…my grand mother would put them in a pot and let them simmer for. Long period of time, until they were thick…the we could have the jam on bread…like eating fig newtons only fresher…Hummmm Hummmm good….

But the people in the Mideast not only ate the figs, but used them for medicinal purposes as well…a poultice was made and used for skin conditions, boils, sores, etc….

In 2 Kings and Isaiah, the figs  were used to heal King Hezekiah from death…

Reading this portion at this time after another diagnosis of more cancer for myself, I am tempted to go out and find some figs and make a poultice for myself…but, probably not….

I have to take into account of making sure my house is in order, estate planning done…and see what God has for me…he healed Hezekiah and gave him 15 more years…that was his plan for him…not sure what God has planned for me…

I so appreciated what Hezekiah wrote in Isaiah after his illness and recovery…

Thank YOU…

 In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” 

“Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 

Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him: “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord. I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.’” 

Then Isaiah said, “Prepare a poultice of figs.” They did so and applied it to the boil, and he recovered.

2Kgs.1-7

 A writing of Hezekiah king of Judah after his illness and recovery: I said, “In the prime of my life must I go through the gates of death and be robbed of the rest of my years?” I said, “I will not again see the Lord himself in the land of the living;no longer will I look on my fellow man,or be with those who now dwell in this world. 

Like a shepherd’s tent my house has been pulled down and taken from me.

Like a weaver I have rolled up my life,and he has cut me off from the loom;day and night you made an end of me. 

I waited patiently till dawn,but like a lion he broke all my bones;day and night you made an end of me. 

I cried like a swift or thrush,I moaned like a mourning dove.

My eyes grew weak as I looked to the heavens.I am being threatened; Lord, come to my aid!” 

But what can I say?He has spoken to me, and he himself has done this.I will walk humbly all my years because of this anguish of my soul. 

Lord, by such things people live;and my spirit finds life in them too.You restored me to health and let me live. 

Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish.

In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction;you have put all my sins behind your back. 

For the grave cannot praise you,death cannot sing your praise;those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness. 

The living, the living—they praise you,as I am doing today;parents tell their children about your faithfulness. 

The Lord will save me,and we will sing with stringed instruments all the days of our livesin the temple of the Lord. 

Isaiah had said, “Prepare a poultice of figs and apply it to the boil, and he will recover.”

Isa.38.9-21

“The account of the fig poultice in Hezekiah's healing underscores the interplay between divine intervention and human agency. While the healing ultimately comes from God, the use of a natural remedy signifies the cooperation between God's miraculous power and the means available to humans. This narrative illustrates the belief that God can work through ordinary elements of creation to accomplish His purposes.

Furthermore, Hezekiah's account emphasizes the importance of prayer and faith. His earnest plea to God and subsequent healing serve as a testament to the power of prayer and the compassion of God towards those who seek Him with a sincere heart.

Symbolism and Interpretation

In biblical symbolism, the fig tree often represents Israel and its spiritual state. While the fig poultice itself is a practical remedy, its inclusion in the narrative may also carry symbolic weight, suggesting restoration and healing not only for Hezekiah but also for the nation he leads. The healing of the king can be seen as a metaphor for the potential healing and restoration of the people of Israel when they turn to God in faith and repentance.

The fig poultice, therefore, serves as a reminder of God's provision and the integration of faith and practical action in the life of believers. It highlights the belief that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people, responding to their needs and working through both natural and supernatural means to bring about His will.” 

https://biblehub.com/topical/t/the_fig_poultice.htm

https://biblehub.com/2_kings/20-7.htm

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PHzVL6yGZqk

Awake my soul…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmfRRdSm2us