Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Isaiah 38:8. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage! Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a significant shift in the position of the sun – it's going backwards compared to how it was previously. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Isaiah 38:8" : This is a passage from the Old Testament Book of Isaiah. It’s a prophecy (a prediction about what will happen) about a period of great suffering and upheaval in Israel. “Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees…” - This is a poetic way of saying "I'm going to show you something significant." The word “degrees” refers to a system of measurement used by ancient Babylonians – essentially, a degree of latitude or longitude. "...which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz..." : This refers to a very old astronomical device called a “sun dial.” It was used by the king of Judah, Ahaz, to determine direction and time. It was incredibly precise. The "gone down" part means that the sun's position had shifted backward compared to what it should have been. "...ten degrees backward." : This is the key point. The sun was moving backwards by ten degrees. What does this mean ? This verse is a symbolic representation of a period of great hardship and destruction in Israel. It suggests: A Lost Promise: The "shadow of the degrees" represents something important – perhaps a promise or an agreement that was lost or broken. A Time of Trouble: The phrase “gone down in the sun dial” symbolizes a time when things were going wrong, and a major shift occurred. A Turning Point: This verse points to a significant turning point in history, where the situation was dramatically altered. Important Note: It’s crucial to understand this verse within its historical context – it's part of a larger story about the rise and fall of kingdoms and the consequences of disobedience. In short, this verse speaks of a reversal of established order that leads to a period of great suffering. --- Disclaimer: I’ve tried my best to explain this passage in a way that's accessible. However, biblical interpretation can be complex, and there are different perspectives on what the text means. Would you like me to: Explain another part of Isaiah 38? Discuss the historical context more deeply?