A poultice, also known as a plaster, is a soft, moist mass of material, typically made from plant material or flour, applied to the body to relieve soreness and inflammation. In biblical times, poultices were commonly used for their healing properties, often made from natural ingredients available in the region.

Biblical References:

One of the most notable references to a poultice in the Bible is found in the account of King Hezekiah's illness. In 2 Kings 20:7 , the prophet Isaiah instructs, "Then Isaiah said, 'Prepare a poultice of figs.' So they brought it and applied it to the boil, and he recovered." This passage highlights the use of a fig poultice as a remedy for Hezekiah's ailment, demonstrating the practical application of natural remedies in ancient Israelite culture.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, poultices were a common form of treatment for various ailments. The use of figs, as mentioned in the case of Hezekiah, was likely due to their known medicinal properties. Figs were believed to have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, making them suitable for treating boils and other skin conditions.

The preparation of a poultice involved mashing or grinding the chosen ingredients into a paste, which was then spread onto a cloth and applied to the affected area. This method allowed the active compounds in the ingredients to penetrate the skin and provide relief.

Symbolic and Spiritual Insights:

The use of a poultice in the healing of Hezekiah can also be seen as a symbol of God's provision and care. While the poultice itself was a natural remedy, it was the word of the prophet Isaiah, a messenger of God, that directed its use. This intertwining of divine instruction and natural means underscores the belief that God often works through ordinary elements of creation to bring about His purposes.

Furthermore, the healing of Hezekiah through a poultice can be viewed as an illustration of the importance of faith and obedience. Hezekiah's willingness to follow Isaiah's instructions, despite the simplicity of the remedy, reflects a trust in God's wisdom and power to heal.

Practical Application:

For contemporary readers, the biblical account of the poultice serves as a reminder of the value of natural remedies and the importance of seeking God's guidance in matters of health and healing. It encourages believers to consider the resources God has provided in creation and to approach health with a balance of faith and practical action.

In summary, the use of a poultice in the Bible is a testament to the enduring relationship between faith, natural wisdom, and the healing process. It reflects a holistic approach to health that acknowledges both the physical and spiritual dimensions of well-being.1. (n.) A soft composition, as of bread, bran, or a mucilaginous substance, to be applied to sores, inflamed parts of the body, etc.; a cataplasm.

2. (v. t.) To apply a poultice to; to dress with a poultice.

2854. kollourion -- eye salve.
... Neuter of a presumed derivative of kollura (a cake; prob akin to the base of kollao);
properly, a poultice (as made of or in the form of crackers), ie (by ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2854.htm - 6k

Proving God's Faithfulness (1902-1908)
... anything I could do. Even while I prayed the thought of a bread poultice
came to mind. This remedy seemed almost absurd. I had never ...
/.../how i know god answers prayer/vi proving gods faithfulness 1902-1908.htm

Striking Similes
... And night, as welcome as a friend. And silence like a poultice comes to heal the
blows of sound. And spangled o'er with twinkling points, like stars. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section viii striking similes.htm

My Call to the Ministry
... operation would be dangerous. He prescribed a poultice, and said that the swelling
would probably break in about three days. I went home ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter vii my call to.htm

Poultice (2 Occurrences)
... cataplasm. 2. (vt) To apply a poultice to; to dress with a poultice.
Multi-Version Concordance Poultice (2 Occurrences). 2 ...
/p/poultice.htm - 7k

Draw (212 Occurrences)
... or enticement. 24. (vi) To have efficiency as an epispastic; to act as a
sinapism; -- said of a blister, poultice, etc. 25. (vi) To ...
/d/draw.htm - 41k

Medicine (4 Occurrences)
... oil and wine" of the Good Samaritan, soap and sodic carbonate ("natron," called
by mistake "nitre") as cleansers, and Hezekiah's "fig poultice" nearly exhaust ...
/m/medicine.htm - 11k

Poultry (1 Occurrence)

/p/poultry.htm - 7k

Plaster (13 Occurrences)
... Dioscorides also recommends figs with other substances as a poultice in some skin
diseases. Multi-Version Concordance Plaster (13 Occurrences). ...
/p/plaster.htm - 13k

Pouches (1 Occurrence)

/p/pouches.htm - 6k

Stopping (22 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A pad or poultice of dung or other material applied to a horse's hoof to
keep it moist. Multi-Version Concordance Stopping (22 Occurrences). ...
/s/stopping.htm - 13k

Figs (27 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 38:21 Now Isaiah had said, "Let them take a cake of figs, and lay it for
a poultice on the boil, and he shall recover." (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT ...
/f/figs.htm - 15k

Cake (25 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 38:21 Now Isaiah had said, "Let them take a cake of figs, and lay it for
a poultice on the boil, and he shall recover." (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS RSV). ...
/c/cake.htm - 17k

Food (2953 Occurrences)
... It was such a fig-cake that was presented as a poultice (the King James Version
"plaster") for Hezekiah's boil (Isaiah 38:21; compare 2 Kings 20:7). As the ...
/f/food.htm - 36k

Who was Hezekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Poultice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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