Difference between revisions of "Dial"

<p> <strong> DIAL </strong> ( 2 Kings 20:11 , Isaiah 38:8 ). The Heb. word commonly denotes ‘steps’ (see Exodus 20:26 , 1 Kings 10:20 ), and is so rendered elsewhere in this narrative ( 2 Kings 20:9-11 , Isaiah 38:8; AV [Note: Authorized Version.] ‘degrees’). The ‘steps’ referred to doubtless formed part of some kind of sun-clock. According to Herod, ii. 109, the [[Babylonians]] were the inventors of the <em> polos </em> or concave dial, the <em> gnomon </em> , and the division of the day into 12 hours. The introduction by [[Ahaz]] of a device for measuring the time may be regarded as a result of his intercourse with the [[Assyrians]] ( 2 Kings 16:10 ff.), but it is uncertain what kind of clock is intended. See also art. Time. </p>

<p> 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. </p> <p> 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. </p>

<p> Fig. 146—Sundial </p> <p> The invention of the sun-dial belongs most probably to the Babylonians. The first mention in [[Scripture]] of the 'hour,' is made by Daniel, at [[Babylon]] . The circumstances connected with the dial of [[Ahaz]] , which is perhaps the earliest of which we have any clear mention, entirely concur with the derivation of gnomonics from the Babylonians. Ahaz had formed an alliance with Tiglath-pileser, king of [[Assyria]] , and that he was ready to adopt foreign improvements, appears from his admiration of the altar at Damascus, and his introduction of a copy of it into [[Jerusalem]] . 'The princes of Babylon sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land' . Hence the dial also, which was called after his name, was probably an importation from Babylon. Different conjectures have been formed respecting the construction of this instrument. On the whole it seems to have been a distinct contrivance, rather than any part of a house. It would also seem probable, from the circumstances, that it was of such a size, and so placed, that Hezekiah, now convalescent , but not perfectly recovered, could witness the miracle from his ch </p>

<p> Bibliography InformationMcClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Dial'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and [[Ecclesiastical]] Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/d/dial.html. [[Harper]] & Brothers. New York. 1870. </p>