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
Isaiah, whose name means "Yahweh is salvation," is one of the major prophets in the Old Testament. His role as a prophet was to be a mouthpiece for God, delivering messages of both judgment and hope. In this context, Isaiah is acting as an intermediary between God and King Hezekiah, demonstrating the importance of prophetic ministry in guiding and influencing the leaders of Israel. Historically, Isaiah's ministry occurred during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, marked by Assyrian threats and internal reforms.

called out to the LORD
The act of calling out to the LORD signifies a deep, personal communication with God. In Hebrew, the word for "called" (קָרָא, qara) often implies a cry for help or an invocation of God's presence. This highlights the intimate relationship between the prophet and God, where Isaiah confidently seeks divine intervention. It underscores the power of prayer and the belief that God is responsive to the cries of His people.

and He brought the shadow back
This miraculous event, where God alters the natural order, serves as a sign of His sovereignty over creation. The Hebrew word for "brought back" (שׁוּב, shuv) means to return or restore, indicating a reversal of time or circumstances. This miracle is a testament to God's ability to intervene in the physical world, reinforcing the belief in His omnipotence and the reality of divine miracles.

ten steps
The specific mention of "ten steps" provides a tangible measure of the miracle's magnitude. In biblical numerology, the number ten often symbolizes completeness or divine order. This detail emphasizes the completeness of God's control over time and space, and His ability to fulfill His promises in a perfect and orderly manner.

on the stairway of Ahaz
The "stairway of Ahaz" refers to a sundial or a series of steps used to measure time by the position of the sun's shadow. Ahaz, the father of Hezekiah, was a king known for his lack of faithfulness to God, yet God uses this very instrument associated with Ahaz to perform a miracle for Hezekiah. This highlights God's redemptive power, showing that He can use any circumstance or object, regardless of its past associations, to demonstrate His glory and faithfulness. Historically, this also reflects the advanced understanding of timekeeping in ancient Judah and the significance of such devices in daily life.

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.