Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Against false refuges (v.15), God provides true foundation. I lay in Zion (yissad be-Tsiyon, יִסַּד בְּצִיּוֹן, I have founded in Zion) emphasizes God's sovereign act. The fourfold description of a stone (even, אֶבֶן): a tried stone (even bochan, אֶבֶן בֹּחַן, a testing stone, proven stone), a precious corner stone (pinnat yiqrat, פִּנַּת יִקְרַת, corner of preciousness), a sure foundation (musar musad, מוּסָד מוּסָד, foundation established/founded). This stone is tested, precious, and permanently established.
New Testament universally applies this to Christ: Romans 9:33, 1 Peter 2:6-8 quote this directly. Jesus is the cornerstone rejected by builders (Matthew 21:42, Acts 4:11). Ephesians 2:20 identifies Christ as chief cornerstone on which the church is built. He that believeth shall not make haste (lo yachish, לֹא יָחִישׁ, shall not hurry, panic, flee in haste) or as 1 Peter 2:6 translates, "shall not be confounded/ashamed." Believers in Christ have unshakable foundation—no need for panicked self-protection or anxious scheming. Trust in the tested, precious cornerstone brings calm confidence versus the frantic covenant-making of verse 15.
Historical Context
This prophecy awaited Christ for full fulfillment. Jesus is the stone tested through temptation and suffering, proven perfectly obedient. He's precious to believers (1 Peter 2:7), the cornerstone aligning the entire building (church). Those who build on Him won't be shaken when storms come (Matthew 7:24-27). Jewish leaders rejected this stone and stumbled (Romans 9:32-33). Gentiles believed and were built on it (Ephesians 2:19-22). The church rests on Christ's sure foundation, not shifting political alliances or human strategies.
Questions for Reflection
How is Christ the 'tried stone'—tested and proven—and why does this matter for believers' confidence?
What does it mean practically that those who believe in Christ 'shall not make haste' (won't panic or flee)?
In what areas of life are you building on Christ the cornerstone versus building on false foundations that will crumble?
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Against false refuges (v.15), God provides true foundation. I lay in Zion (yissad be-Tsiyon, יִסַּד בְּצִיּוֹן, I have founded in Zion) emphasizes God's sovereign act. The fourfold description of a stone (even, אֶבֶן): a tried stone (even bochan, אֶבֶן בֹּחַן, a testing stone, proven stone), a precious corner stone (pinnat yiqrat, פִּנַּת יִקְרַת, corner of preciousness), a sure foundation (musar musad, מוּסָד מוּסָד, foundation established/founded). This stone is tested, precious, and permanently established.
New Testament universally applies this to Christ: Romans 9:33, 1 Peter 2:6-8 quote this directly. Jesus is the cornerstone rejected by builders (Matthew 21:42, Acts 4:11). Ephesians 2:20 identifies Christ as chief cornerstone on which the church is built. He that believeth shall not make haste (lo yachish, לֹא יָחִישׁ, shall not hurry, panic, flee in haste) or as 1 Peter 2:6 translates, "shall not be confounded/ashamed." Believers in Christ have unshakable foundation—no need for panicked self-protection or anxious scheming. Trust in the tested, precious cornerstone brings calm confidence versus the frantic covenant-making of verse 15.