Coherent Care: Physicians in Ancient Israel, King Hezekiah’s Illness, and Mesopotamian Medical Practices
C. M Isaac, PhD, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA

This paper undertakes a careful reevaluation of Hebrew inscriptions from the late eighth to seventh centuries BCE to determine the presence and role of healthcare professionals and physicians in ancient Israel and Judah. Utilizing these findings as a framework, the study delves into the narrative of King Hezekiah's miraculous healing as described in 2 Kings 20:1-12. Additionally, we investigate the extent to which Mesopotamian (Babylonian and Assyrian) medical practices may have influenced Israelite and Judean approaches to healthcare. Through a comparative analysis with extant ancient medical texts, this research aims to draw conclusions about the symbiotic relationship between medicine and religion in ancient Israel, illuminating the intricate ways in which these two domains cohered in the formation of a culturally situated healthcare paradigm.