Old Testament
2 Kings 20:9
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Isaiah said, "This is the sign you will have from the LORD, that the LORD will do what he has spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?"
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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?
What 2 Kings 20:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, the prophet Isaiah speaks to King Hezekiah, offering him a sign from God to confirm that God will fulfill His promise. The sign involves a shadow, which can either move forward or backward by ten degrees. This unusual request highlights the power of God and His ability to manipulate time and nature. It serves as a reminder that God is in control of all things, even the laws of physics. The choice of moving the shadow forward or backward symbolizes the flexibility of God's signs and His willingness to meet us where we are. It also emphasizes the importance of faith; God is asking Hezekiah to trust in His word. This interaction illustrates how God communicates with us in ways we can understand, encouraging us to believe in His promises. Ultimately, it reassures us that God is actively involved in our lives, ready to provide signs of His presence and power when we seek Him sincerely. Trusting in God's promises can lead to profound changes in our lives, just as it did for Hezekiah.
How to apply 2 Kings 20:9 to your life
When faced with uncertainty, remember that God can provide signs to reassure you of His presence. Look for ways He communicates with you, whether through scripture, prayer, or the support of others. Trusting in His promises can bring peace and clarity to your life, just as it did for Hezekiah. Embrace the signs He gives you as encouragement to strengthen your faith and confidence in Him. Allow these moments to deepen your relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
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Illustrated scene from Isaiah's story: Hezekiah's Illness (2 Kings 20:1–11)
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Isaiah
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying 2 Kings 20:9
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At a Glance — the Book of 2 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does the sign of the shadow mean in 2 Kings 20:9?
In 2 Kings 20:9, the sign of the shadow represents God's power to confirm His promises. Isaiah offers King Hezekiah a choice between having the shadow move forward or backward by ten degrees, illustrating God's control over time and nature. This sign serves to reassure Hezekiah that God will fulfill His word, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God's plans.
How can I apply the message of 2 Kings 20:9 to my life?
The message of 2 Kings 20:9 encourages you to seek reassurance from God during uncertain times. Just as Hezekiah received a sign, you can look for signs of God's presence in your life through prayer, scripture, or the support of others. Trusting in God's promises can bring peace and clarity, helping you navigate challenges with faith and confidence.
What does this verse teach us about God's power?
This verse highlights God's immense power and sovereignty over the natural world. By manipulating the shadow, God demonstrates that He can alter the laws of physics to fulfill His purposes. It reassures believers that nothing is beyond God's control, encouraging faith in His ability to intervene in our lives and circumstances.
Why did God give Hezekiah a choice about the shadow?
God gave Hezekiah a choice about the shadow to personalize the sign and engage him in the process of faith. This choice symbolizes God's willingness to meet us where we are and to provide reassurance in ways we can understand. It also emphasizes the importance of trust; God invites Hezekiah to actively participate in his faith journey.
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