Is There a Doctor In the House?

Is there no balm in Gilead?
Is there no physician there?
Why then has not the health of the daughter of my people been restored?
Jeremiah 8:22 (NASB)

Today’s scripture from Jeremiah is an oft-quoted verse by those preaching evangelistic sermons. The words are those of Jeremiah in mourning for the fallen state of his people from following God. In an earlier verse (7:30) we have the words of God: “For the sons of Judah have done that which is evil in MY sight,” declares the LORD. “They have put their detestable things in the house which is called by My name, to defile it.” Judah was under judgment of Almighty God and about to be punished by Him – it is little wonder that Jeremiah was upset.

The first line, “Is there no balm in Gilead?” is Jeremiah pleading for a remedy to the sin that ails Judah. He was speaking of a balm of superior spiritual healing qualities. Balm is not a common used word nowadays, referring to a fragrant cream/ointment used to soothe irritated skin. The balm spoken of by Jeremiah was made from the sap of trees and mixed with fragrant herbs, and the biggest exporter was the region of Gilead (south of the modern-day Golan Heights). We find it being exported to Egypt by Ishmaelite traders who met Joseph’s brothers who sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:25).

The second line, “Is there no physician there?” reminds me of the often-used line in TV dramas or movies, “Is there a doctor in the house?” when some poor soul was seriously ill or at death’s door. This is the desperation of Jeremiah for the rebellious people of Judah; he is seeking a divine restoration by the hands of a great doctor – the Great Physician.

Dear Reader, is our heart burdened like Jeremiah’s, for the spiritual health of those around us today? Are we alert to the need of lost souls heading to Hell, who need the Great Physician? Let us listen out for the cry of those in need, “Is there a doctor in the house?” May our Father God prepare us for soul saving each day so that we may introduce some to the best Balm of Gilead – our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Devotional Treasures