Lesson 90: 2 Kings 20:9
Lesson 90: 2 Kings 20:9
2 Kings 20:9
The Blueprint — The Verse
Isaiah said, "This is the LORD's sign to you that the LORD will do what he has promised: Shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or shall it go back ten steps?"
Memorization Practice
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The Context — The History
Hezekiah lay ill in Jerusalem when Assyrian power still loomed over Judah. Sundials and shadow clocks were known in the ancient world; reversing shadow was a public sign of divine intervention.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
Isaiah announced Hezekiah would die, but the king prayed and God added fifteen years to his life. Hezekiah asked for a sign, and Isaiah offered the choice of the shadow moving forward or backward on the steps.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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2 Kings 20:8
Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “What will be the sign that Yahweh will heal me, and that I will go up to Yahweh’s house the third day?”
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (2 Kings 20:8) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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2 Kings 20:10
Hezekiah answered, “It is a light thing for the shadow to go forward ten steps. No, but let the shadow return backward ten steps.”
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (2 Kings 20:10) to continue the passage.
Discussion
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Why did Hezekiah want a sign after receiving God's word?
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How does God confirm his promises in tangible ways?
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What promise are you asking God to make real?
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