Isaiah 38:7
And this shall be a sign unto thee from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he hath spoken;
Original Language Analysis
הָא֖וֹת
And this shall be a sign
H226
הָא֖וֹת
And this shall be a sign
Strong's:
H226
Word #:
3 of 13
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
מֵאֵ֣ת
H853
מֵאֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֔ה
that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה
will do
H6213
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה
will do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יְהוָ֔ה
that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדָּבָ֥ר
this thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֥ר
this thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
10 of 13
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
Cross References
Isaiah 37:30And this shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such as groweth of itself; and the second year that which springeth of the same: and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof.Genesis 9:13I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
Historical Context
The 'sundial of Ahaz' was likely a stairway or pillar where shadows marked time. Babylonian astronomical records may preserve evidence of this event. This miracle occurred in an era of developing astronomical science, making it particularly evidential.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'signs' has God given you to strengthen your faith in His promises?
- How can God's past faithfulness sustain you through present uncertainties?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The shadow moving backward ten degrees is a supernatural sign validating God's promise, demonstrating His sovereign control over creation's natural laws. This miracle, like Joshua's long day, shows that the God who established physical laws can suspend them for redemptive purposes. The sign's visibility throughout the ancient Near East (2 Chronicles 32:31) served as international testimony to Yahweh's power.