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The Blue Letter Bible

Dictionaries :: Dial

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Below are articles from the following 3 dictionaries:
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Dial:

for the measurement of time, only once mentioned in the Bible, erected by Ahaz (2Ki 20:11; Isa 38:8). The Hebrew word (ma'aloth) is rendered "steps" in Exd 20:26, 1Ki 10:19, and "degrees" in 2Ki 20:9, 10, 11. The ma'aloth was probably stairs on which the shadow of a column or obelisk placed on the top fell. The shadow would cover a greater or smaller number of steps, according as the sun was low or high.

Probably the sun-dial was a Babylonian invention. Daniel at Babylon (Dan 3:6) is the first to make mention of the "hour."

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Dial:

An instrument for showing the time of day from the shadow of a style or gnomon on a graduated arc or surface; "rendered" steps" in Authorized Version (Exodus 20:26; 2 Kings 10:19) and "degrees," (2 Kings 20:9-11; Isaiah 38:8) where to give a consistent rendering we should read with the margin the "degrees" rather than the "dial" of Ahaz. It is probable that the dial of Ahaz was really a series of steps or stairs, and that the shadow (perhaps of some column or obelisk on the top) fell on a greater or smaller number of them according as the sun was low or high. The terrace of a palace might easily be thus ornamented.

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