2 Kings Chapter 20 · Verse 7
And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקְח֛וּ
And they took
H3947
וַיִּקְח֛וּ
And they took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
3 of 10
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
וַיִּקְח֛וּ
And they took
H3947
וַיִּקְח֛וּ
And they took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
6 of 10
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ
and laid
H7760
וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ
and laid
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
7 of 10
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 20 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery) reflects the historical reality of genuine religious reform under Hezekiah, including trust in God that resulted in miraculous deliverance from Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 20 regarding god's mercy and human presumption?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 20: God's mercy and human presumption. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.