for the measurement of time, only once mentioned in the Bible, erected by Ahaz ( 2 Kings 20:11 ; Isaiah 38:8 ). The Hebrew word (ma'aloth) is rendered "steps" in Ex Exodus 10:19 , and "degrees" in 2 Kings 20:9 2 Kings 20:10 2 Kings 20:11 . 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 ( Daniel 3:6 ) is the first to make mention of the "hour."
"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.