What other biblical instances show God using natural remedies for healing? Figs on the Boil — 2 Kings 20:7 “Then Isaiah said, ‘Prepare a lump of pressed figs.’ So they did so and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.” Wood that Sweetens Bitter Water — Exodus 15:25-26 • “The LORD showed him a tree. When he threw it into the waters, the waters were made sweet.” • God immediately declares, “I am the LORD who heals you,” tying the natural remedy to His healing name. Salt in a Spring — 2 Kings 2:19-22 • Elisha “threw salt into” the corrupted spring and announced, “This is what the LORD says: I have healed this water.” • An everyday mineral becomes the tool that removes death and unfruitfulness. Mud and Saliva on Blind Eyes — John 9:6-7; Mark 8:23-25 • Jesus mixes earth and spit, applies it to blind eyes, then sends the man to wash. Sight returns. • The Creator employs the dust from which humankind was made (Genesis 2:7). Oil and Wine for Wounds — Luke 10:34; James 5:14 • The Good Samaritan “poured on oil and wine” before bandaging. • The church is told to anoint the sick “with oil in the name of the Lord.” • Ordinary pantry items serve as channels of God’s care when used in faith. A Little Wine for Digestive Trouble — 1 Timothy 5:23 • “Use a little wine instead, because of your stomach and your frequent ailments.” • Paul commends a known medicinal beverage for chronic issues. Balms and Resins — Jeremiah 8:22; Genesis 37:25 • “Is there no balm in Gilead?” echoes the region’s famed tree resin used for healing. • Scripture’s repeated mention of balm highlights God-given herbal medicines. Leaves for Future Healing — Ezekiel 47:12; Revelation 22:2 • River-watered trees bear fruit for food and “leaves for healing.” • Creation itself will share in God’s final restoration of human health. Key Takeaways • God remains the healer; natural agents are His chosen instruments. • He uses everyday materials—wood, salt, figs, mud, oil, wine—to display that true health flows from His command, not from the substance alone. • These passages encourage grateful, responsible use of creation’s resources while placing ultimate trust in the Lord who heals. |
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