Ahaz, Dial Of
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Ahaz, Dial Of in the Bible?
The dial of Ahaz was a sundial or shadow-stepping device built by King Ahaz of Judah, referenced in 2 Kings 20:11 and Isaiah 38:8 as the mechanism through which a divine sign caused the shadow to move backward ten degrees.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this artifact clarifies the historical context of the miraculous sign granted to Hezekiah, demonstrating how ancient astronomical instruments were utilized in biblical narratives to validate prophetic authority and divine intervention.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Ahaz, Dial Of were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ahaz, Dial Of in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ahaz, Dial Of clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
2 Kings 20:11Isaiah 38:8
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Ahaz, Dial Of." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ahaz-dial-of/