# Day 167

# The Sundial Moves Backwards

2 Kings 20:1–21

The Assyrians had invaded Judah. Jerusalem was in danger. King Hezekiah became sick and was near death. Isaiah the prophet came to speak with him.

“The Lord says: ‘Get your life prepared, because you will die. You’ll not get better.’ ”

Hezekiah prayed: “Remember, O Lord, how I’ve been faithful to you. I’ve done what is good for you with my whole heart.”

Isaiah was walking away from the palace. “Turn,” God said, “and talk with Hezekiah again. Say, ‘The God of your ancestor David says: I’ve heard your prayer and seen your tears. I’ll heal you and add fifteen years to your life. The city will be saved from Assyria.’ ”

“How will the Lord prove that he will heal me?” Hezekiah asked Isaiah.

“You choose the sign,” answered Isaiah. “Shall the sundial gain ten minutes or lose ten minutes?”

“It normally gains time. Let the shadow go backwards.”

Isaiah cried to God and the shadow moved backwards by ten minutes. In three days, Hezekiah was well.

Questions: What did Hezekiah do when he was told he would die? What did God do to show Hezekiah he would be healed?