The Sundial of Ahaz

The words

1. Ahaz

   Kings names Ahaz as Hezekiah’s father; the shadow sign occurs on what it calls the “dial of Ahaz.”

   2 Kings 18:1 (opens a new tab) · 2 Kings 20:11 (opens a new tab)

2. Amoz

   Isaiah, identified as Amoz’s son, first warns Hezekiah of death, then returns with a promise of healing.

   2 Kings 20:1–5 (opens a new tab)

3. Backward

   Hezekiah rejects the easier sign and asks for the shadow to return backward ten degrees; Isaiah cries to the LORD.

   2 Kings 20:9–11 (opens a new tab)

4. Boil

   An ulcerated sore, in the NET Bible.

   Isaiah tells those present to lay figs on Hezekiah’s boil; the narrative then reports that the king recovered.

   2 Kings 20:7 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: 2 Kings 20:7 (opens a new tab)

5. Degrees

   Steps, in the NET Bible’s rendering.

   Isaiah offers a choice of the shadow going forward ten degrees or back ten degrees; Hezekiah chooses the backward movement.

   2 Kings 20:9–11 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: 2 Kings 20:9-11 (opens a new tab)

6. Dial

   Steps probably used as a sundial, according to the NET note.

   The chapter places the shadow sign on the “dial of Ahaz,” after Isaiah cries to the LORD.

   2 Kings 20:11 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: 2 Kings 20:9-11 (opens a new tab)

7. Fifteen

   Isaiah brings a promise of fifteen added years and deliverance from Assyria, after the LORD says Hezekiah’s prayer has been heard.

   2 Kings 20:5–6 (opens a new tab)

8. Figs

   Isaiah calls for a lump of figs after the promise of healing; the text reports its application to the king’s boil.

   2 Kings 20:5–7 (opens a new tab)

9. Healing

   The LORD’s message through Isaiah promises healing and says Hezekiah will go to the house of the LORD on the third day.

   2 Kings 20:4–5 (opens a new tab) · 2 Kings 20:8 (opens a new tab)

10. Judah

    Hezekiah rules Judah from Jerusalem; the promise of recovery also includes deliverance for him and the city from Assyria.

    Did you know?

    When concluding Hezekiah’s reign, Kings also credits him with making a pool and conduit to bring water into the city.

    2 Kings 18:1–2 (opens a new tab) · 2 Kings 20:6 (opens a new tab) · 2 Kings 20:20 (opens a new tab)

11. Lump

    Fig cake, in the NET Bible.

    The people following Isaiah’s instruction take the lump and lay it on Hezekiah’s boil; the narrative reports his recovery.

    2 Kings 20:7 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: 2 Kings 20:7 (opens a new tab)

12. Perfect Heart

    Wholehearted devotion, in the NET Bible.

    Hezekiah asks the LORD to remember how he has lived with a “perfect heart”; the prayer ends with his tears.

    2 Kings 20:2–3 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: 2 Kings 20:3 (opens a new tab)

13. Recovery

    Kings reports Hezekiah’s recovery after the figs are applied; Babylon’s king later sends letters and a gift on hearing of his illness.

    Did you know?

    Isaiah’s parallel account introduces a writing by Hezekiah after his recovery; it follows the description of the shadow sign.

    2 Kings 20:7 (opens a new tab) · 2 Kings 20:12 (opens a new tab) · Isaiah 38:7–9 (opens a new tab)

14. Sickness

    Gravely ill, Hezekiah hears Isaiah’s warning that he will die; he turns toward the wall to pray.

    2 Kings 20:1–3 (opens a new tab)

15. Treasures

    Hezekiah shows Babylon’s envoys his treasures; Isaiah predicts their seizure and royal descendants taken away as “eunuchs” in Babylon’s palace.

    2 Kings 20:12–18 (opens a new tab)