Old Testament
2 Kings 20:10
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
Hezekiah, the king of Judah, was faced with a serious illness and received a message from the prophet Isaiah that he would recover.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Hezekiah answered, "It's easy for the shadow to move forward ten steps. No, make the shadow go backward ten steps instead."
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
Hezekiah, the king of Judah, was faced with a serious illness and received a message from the prophet Isaiah that he would recover. As a sign of this promise, God offered to move the shadow on the sundial. Hezekiah found it easy for the shadow to move forward, but he wanted a greater sign. He asked for the shadow to move backward instead. This request showed his faith and desire for a miraculous sign. He believed that if God could heal him, then moving the shadow backward would be a fitting demonstration of God's power. Hezekiah's request was bold, reflecting his deep trust in God's ability to intervene in the natural order. This moment highlights the importance of faith and the extraordinary ways God can affirm His promises to us, even in our darkest times. Hezekiah's story encourages us to seek signs of hope and to trust in God's capabilities beyond our understanding, reminding us that nothing is impossible for Him when we believe wholeheartedly in His promises and power. Explore related miracles.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 20:10 to your life
When faced with challenges, like Hezekiah, we can boldly ask for signs of hope. Trusting in God's power can help us overcome our fears and uncertainties. Remember that God is capable of extraordinary things, and our faith can lead to miraculous outcomes. Don't hesitate to seek His guidance in difficult times, believing in His promises wholeheartedly. We can find strength in our faith and the assurance that God is always with us.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 20:10 mean?
In 2 Kings 20:10, Hezekiah expresses his desire for a miraculous sign from God by asking for the shadow on the sundial to move backward instead of forward. This request demonstrates his faith in God's power to perform extraordinary acts.
What is the significance of the shadow moving backward in 2 Kings 20:10?
The backward movement of the shadow symbolizes a miraculous sign of God's intervention and power. Hezekiah's bold request reflects his deep trust in God's ability to alter the natural order as a confirmation of His promise.
How does Hezekiah's request in 2 Kings 20:10 show his faith?
Hezekiah's request for the shadow to move backward instead of forward illustrates his strong faith in God's capabilities. He believed that if God could heal him, then altering the natural course of time would be a fitting sign of that power.
What themes are present in 2 Kings 20:10?
The themes in 2 Kings 20:10 include faith, miracles, trust in God's power, and seeking signs of hope. Hezekiah's story encourages believers to trust in God's promises and His ability to perform the extraordinary.
The Book of 2 Kings
2 Kings 1: Elijah’s Final Prophecy
The book of 2 Kings opens with the reign of Ahaziah, Ahab’s son and successor, who continues his father’s wicked ways. After falling through a lattice in his upper chamber, Ahaziah is seriously injured. Instead of inquiring of the Lord of Israel, he sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether he will recover. The prophet Elijah is sent by an angel to intercept the messengers. He confronts them with the question, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?” and delivers a message of judgment: Ahaziah will not recover but will surely die.
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