Bible Dictionary
Dial
The dial of Ahaz was a device or series of steps used to indicate time by the movement of a shadow. God gave Hezekiah a sign when the shadow moved backward on the dial.
Definition
The dial of Ahaz was an instrument or arrangement used to indicate the time of day by the movement of a shadow. It was probably a series of steps or degrees over which the shadow of a column or obelisk moved as the sun changed position.
Biblical Usage
The dial is mentioned in the sign given to Hezekiah. As confirmation of God’s promise, the shadow moved backward on the steps or degrees rather than continuing in its expected direction.
Historical Background
The Hebrew term may mean steps or degrees and is rendered in several ways. The arrangement may have stood on a palace terrace, with a column or obelisk casting its shadow across the steps. The sun-dial was probably a Babylonian invention.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
For the measurement of time, only once mentioned in the Bible, erected by Ahaz (2 Kings 20:11; Isa. 38:8). The Hebrew word (ma’aloth) is rendered “steps” in Ex. 20:26, 1 Kings 10:19, and “degrees” in 2 Kings 20:9, 10, 11. The ma’aloth was probably stairs on which the shadow of a column or obelisk placed on the top fell. The shadow would cover a greater or smaller number of steps, according as the sun was low or high. Probably the sun-dial was a Babylonian invention. Daniel at Babylon (Dan. 3:6) is the first to make mention of the “hour.”
Smith's Bible Dictionary
“An instrument for showing the time of day from the shadow of a style or gnomon on a graduated arc or surface; “rendered” steps” in Authorized Version, (Exodus 20:26; 2 Kings 10:19) and “degrees,” (2 Kings 20:9,10,11; Isaiah 38:8) where to give a consistent rendering we should read with the margin the “degrees” rather than the “dial” of Ahaz. It is probable that the dial of Ahaz was really a series of steps or stairs, and that the shadow (Perhaps of some column or obelisk on the top) fell on a greater or smaller number of them according as the sun was low or high. The terrace of a palace might easily be thus ornamented.