ÒSo they looked and saw
that the text said, Ôabout the space of a whole day.Õ The word ÔaboutÕ changed the whole situation, and the
astronomer took up his reading again.
He read on until he came to
the 38th chapter of the prophet Isaiah. In this chapter, Isaiah has left us the
thrilling story of the king, Hezekiah, who
was sick unto death. In response
to his prayer, God promised
to add fifteen more years to his life.
To confirm the truth of
His promise, God offered a sign.
He said, ÔGo out in the court
and look at the sundial of Ahaz. I
will make the shadow on
the sundial back up ten degrees!Õ Isaiah recounts that the
king looked, and while he looked, the shadow turned backward ten
degrees, by which ten degrees it had already gone down!