2 Kings 20:9

KJV

And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Isaiah {H3470} said {H559}, This sign {H226} shalt thou have of the LORD {H3068}, that the LORD {H3068} will do {H6213} the thing {H1697} that he hath spoken {H1696}: shall the shadow {H6738} go forward {H1980} ten {H6235} degrees {H4609}, or go back {H7725} ten {H6235} degrees {H4609}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Yesha'yahu said, "Here is the sign for you from ADONAI that ADONAI will do what he said: do you want the shadow [of the sundial] to go forward ten intervals or backward ten intervals?

Berean Standard Bible

And Isaiah had replied, “This will be a sign to you from the LORD that He will do what He has promised: Would you like the shadow to go forward ten steps, or back ten steps?”

American Standard Version

And Isaiah said, This shall be the sign unto thee from Jehovah, that Jehovah will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or go back ten steps?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 20:9 captures a pivotal moment in King Hezekiah's life where the prophet Isaiah offers a miraculous sign to confirm God's extraordinary promise of healing and an additional fifteen years of life. This verse sets the stage for a divine intervention that would supernaturally manipulate the shadow on a sundial, providing tangible proof of the LORD's faithfulness and absolute sovereignty over creation and time.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of King Hezekiah's severe illness and miraculous recovery. The preceding verses establish that Hezekiah was "sick unto death" [2 Kings 20:1](/2_kings/20-1 "2 Kings 20:1 - Hezekiah's Illness"). The prophet Isaiah initially delivered a message of impending death, prompting Hezekiah to turn his face to the wall and pray fervently, weeping bitterly before the LORD. In an astonishing display of divine responsiveness, God immediately sent Isaiah back with a new message, promising not only healing but also an extension of Hezekiah's life by fifteen years and deliverance from the king of Assyria [2 Kings 20:5-6](/2_kings/20-5 "2 Kings 20:5-6 - God's Promise to Hezekiah"). Hezekiah, seeking assurance for such an extraordinary promise, requested a sign, leading directly to Isaiah's offer in this verse. The subsequent verses (2 Kings 20:10-11) detail Hezekiah's choice and the actual performance of the miracle on "the dial of Ahaz."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "dial of Ahaz" mentioned in [2 Kings 20:11](/2_kings/20-11 "2 Kings 20:11 - The Miracle on Ahaz' Dial") refers to a sundial, a sophisticated time-telling device. While sundials were known in ancient civilizations like Egypt and Babylon, their specific form in Judah, particularly one belonging to King Ahaz (Hezekiah's father), suggests a significant piece of technology, possibly imported. Such a device would consist of a gnomon (a vertical or angled pointer) that casts a shadow onto marked "degrees" or steps, indicating the time of day. For the shadow to either advance or recede by ten "degrees" (likely steps or markings on the dial) would be an utterly unnatural and impossible phenomenon, clearly demonstrating a supernatural intervention. In the ancient world, signs and wonders were often sought and given as divine authentication of a prophet's message or a deity's power, making Hezekiah's request culturally understandable.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully underscores several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Intervention and Responsiveness to Prayer**, demonstrating God's profound willingness to hear and respond to the earnest prayers of His people, even to the point of altering a previously declared decree. Hezekiah's fervent plea changed his destiny, revealing God as intimately involved in human affairs. Secondly, the provision of the sign emphasizes **Confirmation through Miraculous Signs**. God often provides tangible, undeniable proof to strengthen faith and validate His word, ensuring His people can trust His promises. This echoes other biblical instances where God provides clear signs, such as Gideon's fleece in [Judges 6:36-40](/judges/6-36 "Judges 6:36-40 - Gideon's Fleece"). Thirdly, the manipulation of the sundial's shadow unequivocally showcases **God's Sovereignty over Creation and Time**. The ability to reverse or advance the natural progression of time, even locally, signifies God's absolute control over the laws of nature and the cosmos, echoing events like the sun standing still for Joshua in [Joshua 10:13](/joshua/10-13 "Joshua 10:13 - The Sun Stands Still").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sign (Hebrew, _'oth'_):** This word carries the meaning of a mark, token, wonder, or miracle. It refers to something that serves as a divine attestation or confirmation, often pointing to a supernatural act or a promise from God. Here, it is explicitly given as proof that "the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken."
* **Degrees (Hebrew, _ma'alah'_):** This term literally means "steps" or "ascents." In the context of a sundial, it refers to the graduated markings or steps on the "dial of Ahaz" [2 Kings 20:11](/2_kings/20-11 "2 Kings 20:11 - The Dial of Ahaz") that indicated the passage of time by the sun's shadow. The specific number "ten" signifies a significant, measurable, and undeniable movement.
* **Shadow (Hebrew, _tsel'_):** Refers to the shadow cast by the gnomon (the pointer) of the sundial. The movement of this shadow is the natural indicator of time. For it to go "forward" (advance) or "back" (recede) by a set number of degrees represents a direct, supernatural alteration of the sun's apparent movement relative to the earth, or a local manipulation of light and shadow, demonstrating God's power over natural phenomena.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken:"** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and purpose of the impending miracle. The sign is not a random event but a direct manifestation of God's power, specifically given to confirm His promise of healing and extended life to Hezekiah. It underscores God's faithfulness to His word.
* **"shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?"** This presents Hezekiah with a choice, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the miracle. Both options—the shadow advancing or receding—are equally unnatural and impossible by ordinary means. The "ten degrees" signifies a precise and undeniable alteration, making the miracle clear and irrefutable. This choice also involves Hezekiah in the demonstration of God's power, perhaps strengthening his faith further by allowing him to participate in the selection of the miraculous display.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several impactful literary devices. **Divine Choice** is prominent, as God, through Isaiah, offers Hezekiah a choice between two equally impossible scenarios. This choice elevates the miracle beyond a mere demonstration of power, making it a personal and interactive confirmation for the king. There is also an element of **Symbolism**: the sundial itself, a device that meticulously measures time, becomes the stage for God's demonstration of power over time, symbolizing His absolute sovereignty even over the natural order. The manipulation of the shadow on the dial serves as a powerful **Metaphor** for God's ability to alter the course of life and destiny, just as He altered Hezekiah's decreed death. The entire event functions as a **Sign** (as explicitly stated in the text), serving as a tangible, undeniable proof of God's word and faithfulness, designed to bolster Hezekiah's faith and provide assurance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates God's active engagement with humanity, His responsiveness to sincere prayer, and His absolute sovereignty over all creation. It teaches that God is not bound by natural laws or even by His own prior declarations when met with the humble and fervent pleas of His people. The miracle of the sundial's shadow serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness; when He gives His word, He also provides the means to confirm it, ensuring that His promises are not empty. This divine attestation strengthens faith, demonstrating that God is able to perform the impossible and that His power extends even to the manipulation of time and celestial mechanics. It reinforces the truth that God's word is utterly reliable and that He is intimately concerned with the well-being of His children.

* [Isaiah 38:7-8](/isaiah/38-7 "Isaiah 38:7-8 - Parallel Account of the Sign")
* [Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "Exodus 7:3 - God Performing Signs and Wonders")
* [Psalm 103:2-3](/psalm/103-2 "Psalm 103:2-3 - God's Healing and Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Hezekiah's healing and the sign of the sundial's shadow offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that God is not distant or indifferent to our suffering; rather, He is a compassionate Father who hears and responds to the cries of His children. Hezekiah's fervent prayer, even after a divine decree of death, demonstrates the power of persistent and humble petition. This passage challenges us to pray with greater faith and boldness, knowing that God is able to intervene in ways that defy natural explanation. It also reassures us of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises. Just as He confirmed His word to Hezekiah with an undeniable sign, we can trust that He will fulfill His promises to us, even when circumstances seem impossible. This narrative invites us to reflect on God's omnipotence and His personal care, prompting us to surrender our fears and anxieties to the One who controls time and life itself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Hezekiah's fervent prayer, even in the face of a divine decree, encourage your own prayer life and persistence in seeking God?**
* **What "signs" or confirmations of God's faithfulness have you personally witnessed in your life, and how do they strengthen your trust in His promises?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control and fully trust in God's sovereignty over circumstances, time, and even the seemingly impossible?**

### FAQ
**Was the sundial of Ahaz a common device in ancient Israel?**

Answer: Sundials, while known in ancient civilizations like Egypt and Babylon, were not common household items in ancient Israel. The "dial of Ahaz" [2 Kings 20:11](/2_kings/20-11 "2 Kings 20:11 - The Dial of Ahaz") was likely a significant and perhaps unique piece of technology, possibly imported, reflecting the advanced scientific knowledge of the time and King Ahaz's connections with other empires. Its presence suggests a degree of sophistication in Jerusalem's royal court, making the manipulation of its shadow an even more remarkable and undeniable miracle.

**Why did God offer Hezekiah a choice for the sign, rather than simply performing one?**

Answer: God's offering Hezekiah a choice ("shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?") served several purposes. Firstly, it underscored the truly miraculous nature of the event; both options were equally impossible by natural means, emphasizing God's absolute power. Secondly, it involved Hezekiah directly in the demonstration of God's power, making the sign more personal and impactful for his faith. It allowed Hezekiah to participate in the confirmation of God's promise, perhaps solidifying his belief and trust in the divine word more profoundly than if a sign had simply been imposed upon him.

**Did the entire world see the sun move, or was this a local phenomenon?**

Answer: The biblical text primarily describes the event as occurring on "the dial of Ahaz" [2 Kings 20:11](/2_kings/20-11 "2 Kings 20:11 - The Dial of Ahaz") and is focused on Hezekiah's experience. While God's power is certainly capable of a global astronomical event (as seen in [Joshua 10:13](/joshua/10-13 "Joshua 10:13 - The Sun Stands Still for Joshua")), the context suggests a local manipulation of the shadow on the sundial, observed by Hezekiah and his court. The parallel account in [Isaiah 38:8](/isaiah/38-8 "Isaiah 38:8 - Isaiah's Account of the Sign") also focuses on the "degrees on the dial of Ahaz." Later, in [2 Chronicles 32:31](/2_chronicles/32-31 "2 Chronicles 32:31 - Envoys from Babylon"), it is mentioned that envoys from Babylon came to inquire about "the wonder that was done in the land," suggesting the event was known beyond Jerusalem, but not necessarily a globally observed astronomical shift.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous sign given to Hezekiah, demonstrating God's power over time and creation in response to prayer, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Hezekiah received an extension of his mortal life, Christ offers eternal life to all who believe in Him, conquering death itself through His resurrection [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"). The manipulation of the sundial's shadow, an astounding display of divine control over the natural order, is surpassed by the far greater miracles performed by Jesus, who calmed storms 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 raised the dead [John 11:43-44](/john/11-43 "John 11:43-44 - Lazarus Raised"). These acts confirm His divine authority and His identity as the Creator's Son, who holds all things together [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Upholds All Things"). Furthermore, God's responsiveness to Hezekiah's prayer foreshadows the perfect intercession of Christ, who ever lives to make intercession for us before the Father [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession"). Jesus Himself is the ultimate "sign" of God's presence, love, and salvation, embodying all of God's promises and bringing them to their glorious "Yes" and "Amen" [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ").

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

Isaiah 38:7

And this [shall be] a sign unto thee from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he hath spoken;

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.

Matthew 16:1

¶ The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

Matthew 16:4

A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

Luke 11:29

¶ And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.

Luke 11:30

For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.

Mark 8:11

And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.