Sun Dial
Summary
An ancient time-keeping device that measures the passage of hours by the shadow cast by the sun, mentioned in connection with King Hezekiah's miraculous sign.
☩The Sign for Hezekiah
When King Hezekiah was mortally ill, Isaiah prophesied his recovery and offered a sign: the shadow on the sundial (literally 'steps') of Ahaz would move backward ten degrees. This reversal of the shadow confirmed God's promise to add fifteen years to Hezekiah's life and demonstrated divine power over nature and time itself.
☩The Dial of Ahaz
The 'dial of Ahaz' (Hebrew ma'aloth achaz, 'steps of Ahaz') was likely a stairway or series of steps designed so that the shadow moved up or down to indicate the time. Such sundials were known in ancient Babylon and Egypt. King Ahaz may have introduced this astronomical instrument to Judah during his reign.
