DIAL ( 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 polos or concave dial, the gnomon , 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.