The sun-dial is an ancient instrument used to measure time based on the position of the sun. It is mentioned in the Bible in the context of a miraculous event during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. The sun-dial serves as a testament to God's power over creation and His ability to intervene in the natural order.

Biblical Reference:

· 2 Kings 20:8-11 : "Now Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, 'What will be the sign that the LORD will heal me and that I will go up to the house of the LORD on the third day?' And Isaiah replied, 'This will be the sign to you from the LORD that He will do what He has promised: Shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or back ten steps?' 'It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,' answered Hezekiah, 'but not for it to go back ten steps.' So Isaiah the prophet called out to the LORD, and He brought the shadow back the ten steps it had descended on the stairway of Ahaz."

This passage describes a miraculous event where God caused the shadow on the sun-dial of Ahaz to move backward as a sign to King Hezekiah. This event is significant as it demonstrates God's sovereignty over time and space, affirming His ability to alter the natural laws for His purposes.

· Isaiah 38:7-8 : "This will be a sign to you from the LORD that He will do what He has promised: I will make the shadow cast by the sun go back the ten steps it has descended on the stairway of Ahaz.' So the sunlight went back the ten steps it had descended."

In this parallel account, the prophet Isaiah reiterates the miraculous sign given to Hezekiah. The sun-dial, referred to as the "stairway of Ahaz," becomes a focal point for God's intervention, providing a tangible sign of His promise to extend Hezekiah's life.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The sun-dial, or "stairway of Ahaz," mentioned in these passages, was likely a series of steps or a structure that functioned as a timekeeping device by casting shadows. Sun-dials were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures and were used to divide the day into hours based on the sun's movement. The specific design of Ahaz's sun-dial is not detailed in the scriptures, but its mention indicates the presence of advanced timekeeping methods in Judah during this period.

Theological Significance:

The account of the sun-dial in the Bible highlights several theological themes:

1. Divine Sovereignty: The ability of God to manipulate time and natural phenomena underscores His supreme authority over creation. This event serves as a reminder of God's omnipotence and His control over the universe.

2. Faith and Assurance: The backward movement of the shadow on the sun-dial was a sign given to strengthen Hezekiah's faith and assure him of God's promise. It illustrates how God provides signs to His people to confirm His word and encourage trust in His promises.

3. Miraculous Intervention: The alteration of the sun's shadow is a clear example of a miracle, an extraordinary event that defies natural explanation. It demonstrates God's willingness to intervene in human affairs in response to prayer and faith.

The sun-dial, as mentioned in the Bible, serves as a powerful symbol of God's interaction with His people and His ability to transcend the natural order for His divine purposes.2 Kings 20:11
And Isaiah the prophet cried to the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 38:8
Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down.
Nave's Topical Index

Will the sun really be turned to darkness and the moon to blood (Joel 2:31)? | GotQuestions.org

What is the sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2)? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to not let the sun go down on your anger? | GotQuestions.org

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