2 Kings 20:11

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.

Study Bible

So Isaiah the prophet called out to the LORD
Isaiah, a major prophet in the Hebrew Bible, is known for his close relationship with God and his role as a messenger to the kings of Judah. His calling out to the LORD signifies a direct communication with God, highlighting the intimate relationship between the prophet and the divine. This act of calling out is a demonstration of faith and reliance on God's power. Isaiah's role as a prophet is crucial, as he often served as a mediator between God and the people, delivering messages of both judgment and hope. This moment reflects the biblical theme of intercession, where prophets and leaders seek God's intervention on behalf of others.

and He brought the shadow back the ten steps
This miraculous event is a sign from God, demonstrating His control over time and nature. The movement of the shadow backward is a supernatural occurrence, emphasizing God's sovereignty and ability to alter the natural order. In the ancient Near Eastern context, shadows and sundials were used to measure time, and this reversal would have been a clear and undeniable sign of divine intervention. The number ten may symbolize completeness or perfection in biblical numerology, further underscoring the significance of this miracle.

it had descended on the stairway of Ahaz
The stairway of Ahaz refers to a specific architectural feature, likely a set of steps or a sundial constructed during the reign of King Ahaz, Hezekiah's father. This detail provides historical context, linking the miracle to a tangible location known to the people of Judah. The mention of Ahaz, a king who was often criticized for his lack of faithfulness to God, contrasts with the faith demonstrated by Hezekiah and Isaiah in this narrative. The stairway serves as a physical reminder of the past, while the miracle itself points to God's ongoing presence and power in the lives of His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaiah the Prophet
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah served as a messenger of God, delivering His words to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. In this passage, he acts as an intermediary between God and King Hezekiah.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who demonstrates His power and faithfulness by performing a miraculous sign in response to Isaiah's prayer.

3. The Shadow
Represents the miraculous sign given by God, where the shadow on the stairway moves backward, defying natural laws.

4. The Stairway of Ahaz
A specific architectural feature, possibly a sundial or a set of steps, associated with King Ahaz, Hezekiah's father. It serves as the setting for the miraculous sign.

5. King Hezekiah
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the recipient of the sign. Hezekiah was a king of Judah known for his faithfulness to God and his reforms to restore proper worship.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nature
This passage illustrates God's absolute control over the natural world. He can alter the course of time and space to fulfill His purposes and demonstrate His power.

The Power of Prayer
Isaiah's prayer and God's response highlight the importance of prayer in the believer's life. It shows that God listens to and acts upon the prayers of His faithful servants.

Faith and Assurance
The miraculous sign given to Hezekiah serves as a reassurance of God's promises. Believers can trust in God's faithfulness and His ability to fulfill His word.

God's Personal Involvement
The specific and personal nature of the sign to Hezekiah shows that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people, providing guidance and assurance in times of need.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the miracle of the shadow moving backward demonstrate God's sovereignty over creation, and how can this understanding impact our faith today?

2. In what ways does Isaiah's role as a prophet in this passage encourage us to seek God's guidance through prayer and His Word?

3. How can the sign given to Hezekiah serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness in our own lives, especially during times of uncertainty or crisis?

4. What are some other instances in the Bible where God intervened in nature, and what do these events teach us about His character?

5. How can we apply the lessons from this passage to strengthen our prayer life and trust in God's ability to work in seemingly impossible situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 38
This chapter provides a parallel account of Hezekiah's illness and the sign of the shadow, offering additional context and details about the event.

Joshua 10:12-14
This passage describes another miraculous event involving the sun, where God made the sun stand still for Joshua, demonstrating His control over time and nature.

Psalm 102:25-27
These verses speak of God's eternal nature and His power over creation, reinforcing the idea that God can alter the natural order.