Isaiah 38:8
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.
Isaiah 38:8 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse you are referring to comes from the Old Testament book of Isaiah, specifically chapter 38, verse 8. In this verse, King Hezekiah of Judah falls ill and is visited by the prophet Isaiah. As a sign that Hezekiah will recover from his illness, Isaiah tells him that God will bring back the shadow cast by the sun on the stairway of Ahaz ten steps backward. This miraculous event was a demonstration of God's power and ability to intervene in the natural order of the universe. It is a reminder that God has control over all things, including time itself. The significance of this event is not only in the physical demonstration of the sun moving backward, but also in the spiritual message it conveys - that God is sovereign and can bring about change and restoration in our lives. This verse serves as a reminder that God is capable of performing miracles beyond our understanding and that His plans always prevail.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see a miraculous event where God demonstrates His power over time and nature by causing the sun to move backward ten degrees. This phenomenon was a sign to King Hezekiah of Judah that God would extend his life after he prayed for healing. The shadow of the degrees refers to the shadow cast by the sun dial of Ahaz, indicating the time of day. The word "degrees" here may refer to steps, as the sun dial would have had markings to measure the passage of time throughout the day. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights God's sovereignty and ability to perform signs and wonders in accordance with His will. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer and faith in God's ability to intervene in our lives in extraordinary ways. Overall, this verse demonstrates God's power over time and His willingness to work miracles for His people.
Isaiah 38:8 in other translations
American Standard Version
behold, I will cause the shadow on the steps, which is gone down on the dial of Ahaz with the sun, to return backward ten steps. So the sun returned ten steps on the dial whereon it was gone down.
World English Bible
Behold, I will cause the shadow on the sundial, which has gone down on the sundial of Ahaz with the sun, to return backward ten steps. So the sun returned ten steps on the sundial on which it had gone down.”’”
Douay-Rheims
Behold I will bring again the shadow of the lines, by which it is now gone down in the sun dial of Achaz with the sun, ten lines backward. And the sun returned ten lines by the degrees by which it was gone down.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Beholde, I will bring againe the shadowe of the degrees (whereby it is gone downe in the diall of Ahaz by the sunne) ten degrees backeward: so the sunne returned by tenne degrees, by the which degrees it was gone downe.