Dial For the measurement of time, only once mentioned in the Bible, erected by Ahaz (Kg2 20:11; Isa 38:8). The Hebrew word ( ma'aloth ) is rendered "steps" in Exo 20:26, Kg1 10:19, and "degrees" in Kg2 20:9, Kg2 20:10, Kg2 20:11. The ma'aloth was probably stairs on which the shadow of a column or obelisk placed on the top fell.