In the ancient world, the measurement of time was a crucial aspect of daily life, religious observance, and agricultural activities. One of the earliest methods of indicating time was through the use of a sun-dial, a device that utilizes the position of the sun to cast a shadow on a marked surface, thereby indicating the time of day.

Biblical Reference:

The most notable biblical reference to a sun-dial is found in the account of King Hezekiah's illness and miraculous recovery. In 2 Kings 20:8-11 , Hezekiah asks for a sign from the LORD to confirm his healing. The prophet Isaiah offers a miraculous sign involving the sun-dial of Ahaz:

> "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?' And Isaiah replied, 'This is 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?' 'It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,' answered Hezekiah, 'but not for it to go back ten steps.' So the prophet Isaiah called out to the LORD, and He brought the shadow back the ten steps it had descended on the stairway of Ahaz."

This passage highlights the use of a sun-dial, referred to as the "stairway of Ahaz," which was likely a series of steps or a structure where the shadow would move according to the sun's position. The miraculous movement of the shadow backward served as a divine sign, demonstrating God's power over time and nature.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Sun-dials were among the earliest timekeeping devices, with their use dating back to ancient Egypt and Babylon. By the time of the biblical narrative, sun-dials were a known technology in the Near East. The "stairway of Ahaz" mentioned in the Bible suggests a specific type of sun-dial, possibly a stepped structure where the shadow's position could be easily observed.

In the context of ancient Israel, the sun-dial would have been an important tool for determining the times of daily prayers, sacrifices, and other religious observances. The ability to measure time accurately was essential for maintaining the rhythm of religious life as prescribed in the Mosaic Law.

Theological Implications:

The account of the sun-dial in the account of Hezekiah underscores several theological themes. Firstly, it illustrates God's sovereignty over creation, including time itself. The reversal of the shadow is a powerful demonstration of divine intervention, affirming God's ability to alter the natural order for His purposes.

Secondly, the event serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Hezekiah's request for a sign and the subsequent miracle reinforce the idea that God is attentive to the prayers of His people and willing to provide assurance of His word.

Lastly, the use of a sun-dial in this narrative reflects the integration of natural phenomena into the spiritual life of Israel. It shows how the Israelites understood and interacted with the world around them, recognizing God's hand in both the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of life.

In summary, the sun-dial as mentioned in the Bible is not only a practical tool for measuring time but also a symbol of God's interaction with humanity, His control over the universe, and His commitment to His covenant people.2 Kings 20:9-11
And Isaiah said, This sign shall you have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he has spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?
Nave's Topical Index

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.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah
... the more probable alternatives will be indicated, where a ... 6, 7, is not natural at
a time when Assyria ... of the reversal of the shadow on the sun-dial reflects the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/isaiah.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... on it; it could withstand water for a considerable length of time; even if ... The figure
of a man standing, indicated by the lines resembling his contour, was ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

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