Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
For the measurement of time, only once mentioned in the Bible, erected by Ahaz (2 Ki. 20:11; Isa. 38:8). The Hebrew word (ma'aloth) is rendered "steps" in Ex. 20:26, 1 Ki. 10:19, and "degrees" in 2 Ki. 20:9, 10,11. The ma'aloth was probably stairs on which the shadow of a column or obelisk placed on the top fell. The shadow would cover a greater or smaller number of steps, according as the sun was low or high.
Probably the sun-dial was a Babylonian invention. Daniel at Babylon (Dan. 3:6) is the first to make mention of the "hour."