In response to Hezekiah’s prayer (2 Kings 20:9-11), God tells Isaiah to prophesy to Hezekiah that He would add 15 years to the life of Hezekiah. When Hezekiah heard this, he asked for a sign to confirm God’s promise. His request was that the shadow should go backward ten degrees. Normally, the shadow will go forward as the sun set. How could this be possible?

– Lora, New Zealand

DR. GEORGY’S RESPONSE:

Hezekiah clearly knew that it would not be a miraculous confirmation of the promise of God if the sign could be easily explained (2 Kings 20:10). Only a clearly miraculous confirmation could be qualified as a sign from God. Any attempt to explain such a miraculous sign with scientific theories would be pure assumption. This is similar to the miraculous event of the sun standing still so that the Israelites could have revenge upon their enemies (Josh. 10:12-14). We should bear in mind that God can alter the forces of nature to accomplish His will. He can also accomplish His purpose in a way that goes beyond natural explanation. God is a sovereign God, He can perform miracles, and the shadow going backward was clearly a miracle.