Isaiah 38:21Now Isaiah had said, "Let them take a cake of figs, and lay it for a poultice on the boil, and he shall recover."
The setting
Jerusalem, ~701 BC. King Hezekiah's palace. The prophet Isaiah prescribes a fig poultice for the king's life-threatening boil while also praying for divine healing.
The emotion here: methodical confidence in God's healing methods
The original word
debēlah (דְּבֵלָה) — pressed cake of figs, a common ancient medicine
Why it matters
Figs were widely used in ancient Near Eastern medicine for treating skin conditions and wounds
Read with care
What most readers miss in Isaiah 38:21
Isaiah combines supernatural prayer with natural medicine - he doesn't see them as opposing forces
Common misconceptionSome think this proves faith healing doesn't need medicine, but Isaiah actually prescribed BOTH prayer and medical treatment together.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Isaiah 38:21
Bible Genome reading
Isaiah 38:21 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Isaiah 38:21 comes from the book of Isaiah, written during the Divided Kingdom period. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 40% and a tone that is conversational. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include healing, medicine, practical faith. Notable phrases: cake of figs; lay it for a poultice. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does Isaiah 38:21 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "resting"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.