Topical Encyclopedia
The shadow on Ahaz's sun-dial is a significant symbol and similitude found in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of divine intervention and the assurance of God's promises. This event is recorded in the book of 2 Kings and the book of Isaiah, where it serves as a miraculous sign from God to King Hezekiah.
Biblical ContextThe account of the shadow on Ahaz's sun-dial is primarily found in
2 Kings 20:8-11 and
Isaiah 38:7-8. King Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, was gravely ill, and the prophet Isaiah delivered a message from God that Hezekiah would recover and have his life extended by fifteen years. As a confirmation of this promise, Hezekiah requested a sign. The sign given was the miraculous movement of the shadow on the sun-dial of Ahaz, his father.
2 Kings 20:8-11 :8 Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What is the sign that the LORD will heal me and that I will go up to the house of the LORD on the third day?”
9 And Isaiah replied, “This will be the sign to you from the LORD that He will do what He has promised: Shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or back ten steps?”
10 “It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,” answered Hezekiah, “but not for it to go back ten steps.”
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.
Symbolism and SignificanceThe sun-dial, or more accurately, the "stairway" of Ahaz, was likely a series of steps or a structure that functioned as a timekeeping device by the position of the sun's shadow. The miraculous movement of the shadow backward was a divine intervention that defied natural laws, symbolizing God's sovereign control over time and nature.
This event is rich in symbolic meaning. It represents God's ability to alter the course of human events and His willingness to provide tangible signs to affirm His promises. The backward movement of the shadow can be seen as a metaphor for God's power to reverse circumstances, offering hope and assurance to those who trust in Him.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, the shadow on Ahaz's sun-dial underscores the theme of God's faithfulness and the reliability of His word. It serves as a testament to God's intimate involvement in the lives of His people and His responsiveness to their needs and prayers. The event also prefigures the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises through Christ, who is the light of the world and the one who transcends time and space.
Historical and Cultural ContextIn the ancient Near East, sun-dials and other timekeeping devices were common, and their use was well understood. The sun-dial of Ahaz, therefore, would have been a familiar object to the people of Judah. The miraculous alteration of the shadow would have been a clear and undeniable sign to Hezekiah and his court, reinforcing the authenticity of Isaiah's prophetic message.
ConclusionThe shadow on Ahaz's sun-dial remains a powerful symbol of divine intervention and assurance. It highlights the intersection of the natural and the supernatural, demonstrating God's authority over creation and His commitment to His covenant people. Through this miraculous sign, believers are reminded of the steadfastness of God's promises and His ability to bring about His purposes in extraordinary ways.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Kings 20:8-11And Hezekiah said to Isaiah, What shall be the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day?
Nave's Topical IndexIsaiah 38:7,8
And this shall be a sign to you from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he has spoken;
Nave's Topical Index
Resources
Who was Ishtar, and is there any connection between Ishtar and Easter? | GotQuestions.orgAre the seven Catholic sacraments biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Christian fish symbol mean (ixthus / icthus)? | GotQuestions.orgSymbols: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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