Topical Bible: Time: The Sun-Dial Early Invented for Pointing Out

◄ Time: The Sun-Dial Early Invented for Pointing Out ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of time in the Bible is deeply intertwined with the natural order established by God. From the very beginning, the division of time into days, months, and years is evident in the creation narrative. Genesis 1:14 states, "And God said, 'Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years.'" This passage highlights the divine intention for celestial bodies to serve as markers of time.

The sun-dial, an ancient instrument for measuring time, finds its mention in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of King Hezekiah's reign. In 2 Kings 20:9-11 , the prophet Isaiah offers a sign to Hezekiah: "Isaiah answered, '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 shall it go back ten steps?' 'It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,' replied Hezekiah, 'but not for it to go back ten steps.' So Isaiah the prophet called out to the LORD, and He brought the shadow back the ten steps it had gone down on the stairway of Ahaz."

This miraculous event involving the sun-dial, or the "stairway of Ahaz," underscores the belief in God's sovereign control over time and the natural order. The sun-dial, as an early invention, served as a practical tool for ancient peoples to observe the passage of time, relying on the movement of the sun's shadow. It is a testament to human ingenuity in seeking to understand and measure the divine order of creation.

The use of the sun-dial in biblical times reflects a broader understanding of time as a gift from God, to be used wisely and purposefully. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." This verse encapsulates the biblical perspective that time is divinely appointed and should be respected as part of God's perfect plan.

In the broader biblical context, time is often associated with God's eternal nature and His unfolding plan for humanity. Psalm 90:4 declares, "For in Your sight a thousand years are but a day that passes, or a watch of the night." This verse emphasizes the contrast between human perception of time and God's eternal perspective, highlighting His omnipotence and timelessness.

The sun-dial, as an early invention for pointing out time, serves as a symbol of humanity's desire to align with God's order and to live in accordance with His divine timing. It is a reminder of the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty over time and the need to steward it wisely in our daily lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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?
Torrey's Topical Textbook