2 Kings 20:10

KJV

And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hezekiah {H3169} answered {H559}, It is a light thing {H7043} for the shadow {H6738} to go down {H5186} ten {H6235} degrees {H4609}: nay, but let the shadow {H6738} return {H7725} backward {H322} ten {H6235} degrees {H4609}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hizkiyahu answered, "It's easy for the shadow to go down ten intervals. No, let the shadow return backward ten intervals."

Berean Standard Bible

“It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,” answered Hezekiah, “but not for it to go back ten steps.”

American Standard Version

And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to decline ten steps: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten steps.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Kings 20:10, King Hezekiah, facing a miraculous offer from God to confirm his promised healing and extended life, chooses the more astonishing sign: for the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz to recede ten degrees. This choice highlights Hezekiah's desire for an unambiguous display of divine power, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over the natural order and His willingness to perform the impossible in response to earnest prayer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a highly significant narrative in Hezekiah's reign, immediately following the prophet Isaiah's declaration of Hezekiah's impending death due to illness ([2 Kings 20:1](/2_kings/20-1 "2 Kings 20:1 - Isaiah's Prophecy to Hezekiah")). Hezekiah's fervent prayer and weeping ([2 Kings 20:2-3](/2_kings/20-2 "2 Kings 20:2-3 - Hezekiah's Prayer")) elicit an immediate and dramatic reversal from God, who, before Isaiah even left the middle court, sends him back with a message of healing and an extension of Hezekiah's life by fifteen years ([2 Kings 20:4-6](/2_kings/20-4 "2 Kings 20:4-6 - God's Answer to Hezekiah's Prayer")). To confirm this extraordinary promise, Isaiah offers Hezekiah a choice of signs involving the sundial of Ahaz. Verse 10 records Hezekiah's decisive selection of the sign that would most unequivocally demonstrate God's supernatural intervention, which is then immediately followed by the miraculous fulfillment in [2 Kings 20:11](/2_kings/20-11 "2 Kings 20:11 - The Miracle of the Reversed Shadow").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah reigned over Judah from approximately 715-686 BC, a period marked by significant political turmoil, primarily the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire. His reign is often characterized by religious reform and a profound trust in Yahweh, particularly evident during Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem ([2 Kings 18-19](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18-19 - Sennacherib's Invasion and God's Deliverance")). The "dial of Ahaz" ([2 Kings 20:11](/2_kings/20-11 "2 Kings 20:11 - The Dial of Ahaz")) was likely a form of sundial, possibly a set of steps or an obelisk casting a shadow, used for telling time. Such devices were known in ancient civilizations, though this specific "dial of Ahaz" is unique to biblical accounts. The concept of God providing a "sign" to confirm a divine promise was a familiar motif in the ancient Near East and throughout biblical history, serving to bolster faith and demonstrate divine authority, as seen with Gideon's fleece ([Judges 6:36-40](/judges/6-36 "Judges 6:36-40 - Gideon's Fleece")) or the sign offered to Ahaz ([Isaiah 7:10-14](/isaiah/7-10 "Isaiah 7:10-14 - The Sign of Immanuel")).
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully underscores several key theological themes. Firstly, it highlights God's **absolute sovereignty over creation and time**. The reversal of the shadow defies natural laws, presenting an undeniable demonstration of divine omnipotence. Secondly, it emphasizes God's **responsiveness to earnest prayer**. Hezekiah's heartfelt plea moves God to alter His decreed judgment, showcasing divine mercy and compassion. Thirdly, the narrative explores the nature of **faith and the seeking of unambiguous divine confirmation**. Hezekiah's choice of the more difficult sign reflects a desire for certainty in the face of an extraordinary promise. Finally, the account serves as a testament to **God's faithfulness to His word**, as He not only promises healing but also provides a concrete, miraculous sign to validate that promise. This entire chapter, [2 Kings 20](/2_kings/20 "2 Kings 20 - Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery"), serves as a profound illustration of divine intervention in human affairs.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Light (Hebrew, קַל, _qal_):** This adjective means "light," "swift," or "easy." In Hezekiah's statement, it conveys the idea of something being "insignificant" or "simple." Hezekiah acknowledges that the natural progression of the shadow moving forward ten degrees is an easy or ordinary occurrence, thus less convincing as a unique divine sign.
* **Degrees (Hebrew, מַעֲלוֹת, _ma'alot'_):** This is the plural form of _ma'alah_, meaning "steps" or "ascents." It refers specifically to the markings or steps on the sundial of Ahaz, which were used to measure the passage of time by the length or position of a shadow. The term underscores the precise, measurable nature of the sign offered.
* **Return backward (Hebrew, תָּשׁוּב אָחוֹר, _tashuv achor'_):** This phrase combines the verb _shuv_ ("to turn, return") with the adverb _achor_ ("backward"). It powerfully articulates the supernatural reversal of the shadow's movement. This action directly contradicts the natural, predictable course of the sun and time, making it an unmistakable act of divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees:"** Hezekiah, having been presented with two options for a sign, immediately dismisses the first as unremarkable. He understands that the shadow naturally progresses forward (or "down" the steps of the sundial) as the day advances. For it to "go down" ten degrees, even if accelerated, would not be as clear a demonstration of divine power as a reversal. Hezekiah's statement reveals his discernment and his desire for an unequivocal miracle.
* **"nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees."** This is Hezekiah's profound and audacious request. By choosing the shadow to "return backward," he asks for an event that utterly defies the laws of nature and the normal passage of time. This choice demonstrates his deep trust in God's omnipotence and his yearning for an undeniable confirmation of the extraordinary promise of extended life and healing. It is a request for a sign that leaves no room for doubt regarding its divine origin.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Contrast** is central, pitting the "light thing" (the natural progression of the shadow) against the utterly supernatural act of its reversal. This highlights the magnitude of the miracle Hezekiah requests and God performs. There is an element of **hyperbole** in Hezekiah's dismissal of the natural movement as "a light thing," underscoring his expectation of a truly remarkable sign. The narrative also exhibits **divine irony**, as God, who could have chosen any sign, offers two options, one of which directly challenges the natural order, revealing His willingness to perform the seemingly impossible to affirm His word. This choice also serves as a powerful **foreshadowing** of God's subsequent miraculous intervention, building anticipation for the fulfillment in the following verse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the very fabric of time and natural law. Hezekiah's request for the shadow to recede ten degrees is a bold appeal to God's omnipotence, and God's immediate fulfillment of this request confirms that nothing is too difficult for Him. This miracle serves as a tangible reminder that the Creator is not bound by the rules He established for His creation; He can suspend or reverse them at will to accomplish His divine purposes. Furthermore, the account underscores the efficacy of fervent, humble prayer, demonstrating God's compassionate responsiveness to the cries of His people. It reveals a God who is intimately involved in human affairs, willing to intervene miraculously to confirm His promises and strengthen the faith of His servants.

* [Joshua 10:12-14](/joshua/10-12 "Joshua 10:12-14 - The Sun Stands Still")
* [Isaiah 38:7-8](/isaiah/38-7 "Isaiah 38:7-8 - The Sign of the Sundial")
* [Psalm 74:16](/psalms/74-16 "Psalm 74:16 - God Controls Day and Night")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Hezekiah's healing and the sign of the reversed shadow offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that our God is not limited by human understanding, natural laws, or seemingly insurmountable circumstances. When faced with situations that appear impossible, this narrative invites us to bring our earnest prayers before the Lord, trusting in His boundless power and His compassionate heart. Hezekiah's desire for an unambiguous sign, while not a prescriptive model for all faith, highlights God's willingness to provide assurance and confirmation when genuinely sought. It encourages us to cultivate a faith that believes God can do the extraordinary, reminding us that His faithfulness extends to every promise He makes. This story calls us to a deeper reliance on God's omnipotence, fostering hope even in the most desperate of times.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" situations or challenges in your life are you currently bringing before God in prayer?**
* **How does Hezekiah's bold request for a supernatural sign impact your understanding of God's power and His willingness to intervene?**
* **In what ways can we, like Hezekiah, seek clear confirmation of God's will and promises in our lives today, without "testing" God?**
* **How does this narrative encourage you to pray with greater sincerity and persistence, even when circumstances seem dire?**

### FAQ
**What was the "dial of Ahaz" and why was it significant?**

Answer: The "dial of Ahaz" ([2 Kings 20:11](/2_kings/20-11 "2 Kings 20:11 - The Dial of Ahaz")) was likely a sundial, a device used in ancient times to tell time by the shadow cast by the sun. It may have been a set of steps or an obelisk with markings. Its significance lies in its role as the stage for a unique miracle. While sundials naturally show the shadow moving forward as the day progresses, God miraculously caused the shadow on this specific dial to "return backward ten degrees," an event that defied natural law and served as an undeniable sign of God's power and His faithfulness to His promise of healing and extended life for King Hezekiah.

**Why did Hezekiah choose the more difficult sign for the shadow to recede?**

Answer: Hezekiah explained his reasoning directly in [2 Kings 20:10](/2_kings/20-10 "2 Kings 20:10 - Hezekiah's Choice of Sign"): "It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees." He recognized that the shadow naturally moves forward (or "down" the steps of the dial) as time passes. Even if it moved forward quickly, it could conceivably be attributed to natural phenomena or coincidence. However, for the shadow to "return backward ten degrees" was an utterly unnatural and impossible event without divine intervention. Hezekiah chose this more difficult sign precisely because it would be an unmistakable, unambiguous miracle, leaving no doubt that it was a direct act of God confirming His extraordinary promise of healing and an extended life.

**Does God still perform such physical signs or miracles today?**

Answer: The Bible teaches that God is immutable and His power is limitless ([Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God Does Not Change"); [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")). While the dramatic, public, and verifiable nature of the sign on the sundial was unique to Hezekiah's context, God continues to work miraculously in the world. These miracles may manifest as healings, divine provision, supernatural protection, or profound answers to prayer that defy natural explanation. However, the primary "sign" for believers today is the resurrection of Jesus Christ ([Matthew 12:39-40](/matthew/12-39 "Matthew 12:39-40 - The Sign of Jonah")), and the Holy Spirit's ongoing work in transforming lives and empowering the church ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")). While God can and does perform physical miracles, the emphasis in the New Testament shifts to faith in Christ and the internal witness of the Spirit, rather than a constant expectation of external, verifiable signs like the one given to Hezekiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous reversal of the shadow on the sundial, a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty over time and creation, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Hezekiah's sign was a temporary suspension of natural law to confirm a promise of extended life, Jesus embodies the very power that transcends and redeems all natural order. He is the one who calmed the raging storm with a word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), walked on water ([Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Matthew 14:25 - Jesus Walks on Water")), and transformed water into wine ([John 2:7-11](/john/2-7 "John 2:7-11 - Jesus Turns Water into Wine")), demonstrating His divine authority over creation. More significantly, Jesus's resurrection from the dead is the ultimate "reversal backward" of the most immutable natural law—death itself. Just as the shadow's reversal confirmed life for Hezekiah, Christ's resurrection confirms eternal life for all who believe in Him ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). He is the ultimate sign given by God, not merely for a king's extended years, but for the salvation of all humanity, offering a new creation that transcends the limitations of the old ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). In Christ, God's power to do the impossible is not just demonstrated; it is permanently established, guaranteeing victory over sin and death for all eternity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 3:18

And this is [but] a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand.

2 Kings 2:10

And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: [nevertheless], if thou see me [when I am] taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be [so].

John 14:12

¶ Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Isaiah 49:6

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

Mark 9:28

And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?

Mark 9:29

And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.