And Isaiah had replied, "This will be a sign to you from the LORD that He will do what He has promised: Would you like the shadow to go forward ten steps, or back ten steps?" And Isaiah repliedThe prophet Isaiah, whose name means "Yahweh is salvation," plays a crucial role as God's messenger. In the Hebrew context, prophets were not only foretellers but also forthtellers, delivering God's word to His people. Isaiah's response here is significant as it demonstrates his role as an intermediary between God and King Hezekiah, emphasizing the importance of divine communication through chosen vessels. 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? Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe king of Judah who was ill and prayed to the LORD for healing. God granted him 15 more years of life. 2. Isaiah The prophet who delivered God's message to Hezekiah, including the sign of the shadow. 3. The LORD The God of Israel, who hears Hezekiah's prayer and provides a miraculous sign. 4. The Sundial of Ahaz The device used to measure time by the movement of the sun's shadow, which God used to perform the sign. 5. Jerusalem The capital city of Judah, where these events took place. Teaching Points Faith and SignsHezekiah's request for a sign demonstrates a human tendency to seek tangible evidence of God's promises. While God graciously provides signs, believers are called to trust in His word even without them. God's Sovereignty Over Nature The miraculous movement of the shadow illustrates God's control over creation. This reassures believers of His power to intervene in their lives in extraordinary ways. Prayer and God's Response Hezekiah's earnest prayer and God's immediate response highlight the importance of prayer in the believer's life. God hears and answers prayers according to His will. The Role of Prophets Isaiah's role as a messenger underscores the importance of listening to God's appointed leaders and the messages they bring from Him. Humility and Repentance Hezekiah's account, including his later pride and repentance, serves as a reminder of the need for humility before God and the dangers of pride. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's request for a sign reflect human nature, and how can we apply this understanding to our own faith journey?2. In what ways does the account of the sundial demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this encourage us in times of uncertainty? 3. How does Hezekiah's prayer life challenge or inspire your own approach to prayer? 4. What can we learn from Isaiah's role in this account about the importance of listening to God's messengers today? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's intervention in your life. How did it affect your faith and understanding of His power? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 38This chapter parallels the account in 2 Kings 20, providing additional details about Hezekiah's illness and recovery. Joshua 10:12-14 Another instance where God altered the natural order, making the sun stand still for Joshua. 2 Chronicles 32:24-26 Offers a summary of Hezekiah's illness and God's response, emphasizing Hezekiah's pride and subsequent humility. John 4:48 Jesus speaks about the need for signs and wonders for belief, which can be related to Hezekiah's request for a sign.
People Ahaz, Amoz, Baladan, Berodachbaladan, David, Hezekiah, Isaiah, ManassehPlaces Ararat, Assyria, BabylonTopics Degrees, Forward, Isaiah, Lord's, Promised, Shade, Shadow, Sign, Spoken, Steps, Ten, TurnDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 20:1-11 5333 healing 1403 God, revelation Library An Old-Fashioned HomeTEXT: "What have they seen in thy house?"--2 Kings 20:15. If you will tell me what is in your own house by your own choice I will tell you the story of your home life and will be able to inform you whether yours is a home in which there is harmony and peace or confusion and despair. Let me read the names of the guests in your guest book, allow me to study the titles of the books in your library in which you have special delight, permit me to scan your magazines which you particularly like, allow … J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. ) God's Sovereignty Defined That for the Most Part the Occupation of Government Dissipates the Solidity of the Mind. The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. Each and all of Its Parts Governed by his Providence. Interpretation of Prophecy. The Historical Books. The Kingdom of Judah. The Christian Struggling under Great and Heavy Affliction. Of the Sacraments. Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence. Meditations of the True Manner of Practising Piety on the Sabbath-Day. A Prayer when one Begins to be Sick. A Cloud of Witnesses. Kings Links 2 Kings 20:9 NIV2 Kings 20:9 NLT 2 Kings 20:9 ESV 2 Kings 20:9 NASB 2 Kings 20:9 KJV 2 Kings 20:9 Commentaries Bible Hub |