2 Kings 20:8, commentary and pictures

This verse belongs to the account of Hezekiah's mortal sickness and healing, when after being told he would die he prayed, and God raised him up, added fifteen years to his life, and restored him to go up to the house of the Lord. In the verse he asks Isaiah for a sign confirming that the Lord will heal him and that he will go up into the house of the Lord on the third day. His request for assurance was like that of Moses, Gideon, and Elisha, who at significant moments sought confirmation that the message had come from heaven.

The sign given in answer was that the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz would turn backward ten degrees. That reversal of the shadow could be accomplished only by God's direct intervention. It was proof that the Lord had heard Hezekiah's prayer.

His healing combined divine miracle with the use of means, for the prophet directed the application of a fig to the affected part. Using such a simple remedy in harmony with natural law does not deny faith, but cooperates with divine power and uses what is beneficial. After God had thus healed him and added fifteen years to his life, he was tested when ambassadors from Babylon came to inquire about the wonder God had done. By showing them the riches of the Lord's house he revealed what was in his heart.