Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage together. It's a really interesting and somewhat cryptic verse from the Book of Kings, and it’s been interpreted in several ways over time. Here’s an explanation that aims to be clear and understandable: What it says: “2 Kings 20:11 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.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD” : This tells us that Isaiah was deeply worried or troubled. He was speaking to God. “and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward” : This is the core of the verse. A "shadow" in this context refers to a visible sign – something that indicates a problem or an impending event. Isaiah’s prophet was saying, “The sign of the future is changing.” “by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz” : This is where it gets a bit more complicated and mysterious. "Dial of Ahaz" is a reference to a specific time period in ancient history – roughly around 750 BC. It's important to understand this refers to a measurement or indicator . So, what does it mean ? The most common interpretation among scholars and theologians is that this verse describes a warning about a coming disaster. It’s like a prophecy about an impending catastrophe – perhaps a great flood, war, famine, or something similar. Here's the breakdown of the possible interpretations: A Sign of Judgment: The “shadow” could represent a sign that was already in place, but it was growing larger and more significant. It’s as if something bad was starting to unfold. The Time is Near: Isaiah wasn’t just warning about what would happen; he was also signaling that when it happens, it's going to be a time of great upheaval and judgment. Important Note: This is an interpretation based on the best available evidence from ancient texts. It’s not a straightforward literal translation or explanation. It's more about symbolism and conveying a message of impending doom. Why is this verse significant? Prophetic Warnings: Throughout biblical history, prophets have often been given warnings about future events – sometimes with seemingly vague or symbolic language. Understanding the Bible’s Purpose: This passage highlights that the Bible isn't just about describing events; it also has a purpose – to offer guidance and warning to those who are listening. Resources for Further Exploration: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/vescript/1329](https://www.biblegateway.com/vescript/1329) (Provides a good overview of the verse and its context) Wikipedia - 2 Kings 20:11: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_Kings_20%3A11](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_Kings_20%3A11) (Offers a detailed explanation of the verse’s history and interpretations) --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible passage? Discuss a specific interpretation of this verse in more detail? Explore the historical context surrounding this verse?