Inquiry:
Why did God turn the sundial back ten degrees? Was it as a sign that He would heal Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:7-11) or as a sign that He would defend the city against the Assyrians (Isaiah 38:4)? Is there a contradiction?
Response:
As the writer of 2 Kings records this particular incident in the history of Judah, he says that Hezekiah was sick and near death (2 Kings 20:1). Isaiah reveals the same (Isaiah 38:1). The writer of 2 Kings reveals that the king prayed to God (20:2-3) as does Isaiah (38:2-3). The writer of 2 Kings shows that the prophet was sent back to the king (20:4-5). Isaiah also records this (38:4-5). The writer of 2 Kings reveals that the king would have an additional fifteen years (20:6). Isaiah reveals the same (38:5). The writer of 2 Kings reveals that Jerusalem would be defended from the Assyrian attack (20:6); Isaiah reveals the same (38:4). 2 Kings shows the sundial reversal as a sign of what the Lord revealed through the prophet (20:8-11); Isaiah records the very same thing (38:7-8).
Where, may I ask, is the contradiction? The texts couldn’t agree more – there is no variance in what they say.
There is no contradiction.
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