Lesson 90: 2 Kings 20:9
The Blueprint — The Verse
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?”
Memorization Practice
Click words to hide them and test your memory.
Without looking, enter the book, chapter, and verse for this passage.
Rate your recall:
The Context — The History
Hezekiah lay ill in Jerusalem when Assyrian power still loomed over Judah. 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
-
Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “What will be the sign that Yahweh will heal me, and that I will go up to Yahweh’s house the third day?”
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately before this lesson () to hear the lead-in to the passage.
-
Hezekiah answered, “It is a light thing for the shadow to go forward ten steps. No, but let the shadow return backward ten steps.”
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately after this lesson () to continue the passage.
Discussion
-
Why did Hezekiah want a sign after receiving God's word?
-
How does God confirm his promises in tangible ways?
-
What promise are you asking God to make real?
Places — Map this passage
Locations mentioned in this lesson passage. Switch to Whole book or Journey mode on the map for a broader view.
Places list
Geographic data © OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0)