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DIAL (2Ki_20:11, Isa_38:8).—The Heb. word commonly denotes ‘steps’ (see Exo_20:26, 1Ki_10:20), and is so rendered elsewhere in this narrative (2Ki_20:9-11, Isa_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 (2Ki_16:10 ff.), but it is uncertain what kind of clock is intended. See also art. Time.