The Shadow on Hezekiah's Sundial Goes Backward
The Lord moves the shadow back ten degrees on Ahaz's sundial as a sign of Hezekiah's healing.
When Hezekiah was healed of his mortal sickness, he asked for a sign that he would go up to the house of the Lord on the third day. Isaiah cried unto the Lord, and the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz went back ten degrees — a reversal of the sun's natural course as a token of God's word.
God (through Isaiah the prophet)
Jerusalem, the palace of King Hezekiah
What Happened
Key KJV Scriptures
"And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz."
"Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down."
Spiritual Significance
Like the sun standing still for Joshua, the reversed shadow declares that the God who set the heavens in motion bends them at His word to confirm His promises to His people.
Lesson for Today
God is not bound by the clockwork of creation. When He promises, He will perform — and He sometimes gives gracious signs to strengthen weak faith.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the dial of Ahaz?
It was likely a stepped sundial built by King Ahaz, where the descending shadow marked the hours of the day.
Is this connected to the long day of Joshua?
Both events involve God altering the sun's apparent course, but they are distinct miracles centuries apart, each confirming God's word to His servant.
Where in the Bible is the miracle of The Shadow on Hezekiah's Sundial Goes Backward?
The miracle of The Shadow on Hezekiah's Sundial Goes Backward is recorded in 2 Kings 20:11 (KJV), with additional references in Isaiah 38:8.
Who performed the miracle of The Shadow on Hezekiah's Sundial Goes Backward?
Scripture records that God (through Isaiah the prophet) carried out this miracle at Jerusalem, the palace of King Hezekiah. Ultimately the power belonged to God, who alone does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).
Related Bible Miracles
The Sun Stands Still
At Joshua's command the sun stood still over Gibeon until Israel defeated her enemies.
Hezekiah Healed of His Sickness
God adds fifteen years to King Hezekiah's life after he prays in tears for healing.
The Assyrian Army Destroyed by an Angel
The angel of the Lord smites 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night, delivering Jerusalem.
Angels, Demons & Spiritual Warfare
Continue your study into the unseen battle Scripture describes:
Beelzebub — Prince of Devils
Beelzebub is a name for Satan as 'prince of devils,' which Jesus addressed when the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by demonic power.
Read moreFallen Angels
Fallen angels are heavenly beings who rebelled against God under Satan and now oppose His kingdom.
Read moreWhat Are Demons in the Bible?
Demons are fallen, evil spirits under Satan who oppose God and oppress people — but they are subject to Christ.
Read moreSatan, the Adversary
Satan is a created, fallen angel who accuses, tempts, and deceives — already defeated by Christ at the cross.
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Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
The Shadow on Hezekiah's Sundial Goes Backward
The Lord moves the shadow back ten degrees on Ahaz's sundial as a sign of Hezeki
Hezekiah Healed of His Sickness
God adds fifteen years to King Hezekiah's life after he prays in tears for heali
Siloam Tunnel (Hezekiah's Tunnel) in the Bible
An underground water channel carved by King Hezekiah to protect Jerusalem's wate
Who Was Isaiah the Prophet?
People & Characters
The Vision of Isaiah
Isaiah 6:1-8 • Prophets
Isaiah in the Bible
The Messianic Prophet