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• מַעֲלָה , מַעֲלָה

(מִעֲלוֹת, maaloth'; the plur. of an ascent, as it is sometimes rendered; Sept. ἀναβαθμοί, Vulg. horologium), a method of measuring time employed by Ahaz (2 Kings 20:11; Isaiah 38:8). The word is the same as that rendered "steps" in Exodus 20:26; 1 Kings 10:19, and "degrees" in 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. In the absence of any materials for determining the shape and structure of the solar instrument, which certainly appears intended, most interpreters follow the most strictly natural meaning of the words, and consider, with Cyril of Alexandria and Jerome (Comm. on Isaiah 38:8), that the maaloth were really 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. Dr. Adam Clarke, in his Commentary on 2 Kings 20:10-11, however, gives some ingenious illustrations, accompanied by a diagram, and others may be seen in Calmet's Dictionary, s.v. (See DEGREE).

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