Definition: And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 20:9. It's a really significant and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a prophecy about a period of great hardship and devastation – specifically, a time when God is actively punishing those who disobey him. It’s essentially saying that God is actively working to bring about a terrible outcome. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And Isaiah said…” : This tells us this isn't just a random thought; it's a prophecy from the prophet Isaiah. “…This sign shalt thou have of the LORD…” : Isaiah is telling God to actively demonstrate his power and judgment. It’s a command, not just a suggestion. “…that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken:” This is the core of the prophecy. Isaiah is saying: “The Lord has spoken what he intends to do. Now, you must witness it.” He's emphasizing that God’s plan is unfolding and demands our attention. “…shall the shadow go forward ten degrees…” : This describes a specific event – a shadow moving across the land. It implies a gradual worsening of circumstances. Think of a darkening or growing darkness. “…or go back ten degrees.” : This suggests that the shadow isn't going to be perfectly reversed, but rather will shift slightly in direction. It’s a subtle, ongoing change. What does it mean in terms of events? Historically, this prophecy is often interpreted as referring to the Babylonian exile (around 609 BCE) and the subsequent destruction of Jerusalem. It was believed that God's punishment for rejecting him would be manifested through a period of intense suffering and upheaval. The "shadow" could represent the oppressive presence of Babylon’s rule, and the shifting “degrees” signify the escalating consequences of disobedience. Important Note: This is a complex and debated passage. Different interpretations exist within biblical scholarship, but this explanation attempts to provide a generally accepted understanding of its meaning within the context of ancient Near Eastern prophecy. --- Disclaimer: I’m an AI Chatbot; I can explain biblical texts, but I am not a religious scholar. This information is based on current historical and scholarly interpretations. Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail?