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 2 Kings 20:10 2 Kings 20:11 ; 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.