Lesson 90: 2 Kings 20:9
The Blueprint — The Verse
Isaiah said, "This is the LORD's sign to you that the LORD will do what he has promised: Shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or shall it go back ten steps?"
Memorization Practice
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King James Version (KJV) — Public Domain.
The Context — The History
Hezekiah lay ill in Jerusalem when Assyrian power still loomed over JudahJudah was the fourth son of Jacob and Leah and the founder of the Tribe of Judah. His descendants became one of the most prominent tribes of Israel, producing the royal line of King David and ultimately the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Scripture identifies Judah as the tribe through which God's promise of kingship and redemption would be fulfilled. More. Sundials and shadow clocks were known in the ancient world; reversing shadow was a public sign of divine intervention.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
Isaiah announced Hezekiah would die, but the king prayed and God added fifteen years to his life. Hezekiah asked for a sign, and Isaiah offered the choice of the shadow moving forward or backward on the steps.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What shall be the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day?
Read the verse immediately before this lesson () to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.
Read the verse immediately after this lesson () to continue the passage.
Discussion
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Why did Hezekiah want a sign after receiving God's word?
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How does God confirm his promises in tangible ways?
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What promise are you asking God to make real?
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