In ancient times, people did not have watches, clocks, or digital devices to tell time as we do today. Instead, they relied on natural means to track the hours of the day. One of the most common tools was the sun dial, an instrument that used the position of the sun’s shadow to determine the time.
In some places, a special device was placed in an open area where the sun could strike it from all angles. This device typically had markings or steps—called “degrees” or “steps”—which indicated the time as the sun’s shadow moved across them. Another form used stair-like structures built in the east and west, where the shadow would descend or ascend based on the sun’s position. As the sun rose in the east, the shadow would fall down the steps; as it set in the west, the shadow would rise up the steps. By watching the movement of the shadow, people could tell whether it was morning, noon, or evening.
This background helps us understand what the Bible refers to as “the dial of Ahaz”—a time-telling structure likely built by King Ahaz (Hezekiah’s father). Although Scripture does not describe the dial in detail, it was evidently used to measure time based on the sun’s shadow.
Hezekiah’s Illness and the Miraculous Sign
In 2 Kings 20, King Hezekiah fell gravely ill. The prophet Isaiah came to him with a message from God: “Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live” (2 Kings 20:1, NKJV). But Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed earnestly, weeping before the Lord. God heard his prayer and sent Isaiah back with a promise: Hezekiah would be healed and live fifteen more years (vv. 2–6).
Yet Hezekiah asked for a sign to confirm the promise. The Lord, through Isaiah, offered him a choice:
“Shall the shadow go forward ten degrees or go backward ten degrees?” (2 Kings 20:9, NKJV).
Hezekiah reasoned that it would be too easy for the shadow to move forward—after all, that’s the natural direction as time progresses. But for the shadow to move backward would defy the laws of nature. That would be a true miracle.
“It is an easy thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees; no, but let the shadow go backward ten degrees” (v. 10).
Then Isaiah prayed, and God caused the shadow on the dial of Ahaz to go backward ten degrees—a stunning supernatural event that symbolized God’s absolute power over time and nature (2 Kings 20:11; Isaiah 38:7–8).
Theological Significance
This miracle teaches us several powerful truths:
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God is Sovereign Over Time and Creation
Just as God stopped the sun for Joshua in battle (Joshua 10:12–14), He now reversed time for Hezekiah. Time is a created reality, and the Creator is not bound by it. He can halt, extend, or reverse time according to His will. -
God Answers Prayer
Hezekiah’s heartfelt prayer moved the heart of God (Isaiah 38:5). The Lord is not distant or unmoved by our cries. He responds to faith and humility. -
God Gives Confirming Signs
While faith should not rely solely on signs (Matthew 16:4), God sometimes graciously provides confirmation to encourage His people. In Hezekiah’s case, the reversed shadow was both a confirmation and a witness of God’s presence and power. -
Nothing is Too Hard for the Lord
As Jeremiah 32:27 declares:“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?”
God can restore time, health, relationships, opportunities—anything that seems lost. -
Encouragement for Us Today
If God could turn back time as a sign of healing and restoration, He can certainly redeem lost time in your life. Whether you’ve missed opportunities, made mistakes, or feel that it’s “too late,” remember that God can restore what was lost (Joel 2:25). He can bring renewal even in your most hopeless moments.
Final Thought
Let this story inspire faith and hope in your walk with God. He is not limited by natural laws. He can reverse time, restore brokenness, and fulfill His promises in ways that surpass human understanding. All He asks is that we believe and trust in Him.
Shalom.
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