Isaiah 28:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 28:16
16 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.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 28 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, obedience, prayer. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 28:16
16 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.
Analysis
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H136 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Faith: Romans 9:33, 10:11
- References Lord: Zechariah 3:9, Matthew 21:42
- References God: Isaiah 30:18, Genesis 49:24
- Parallel theme: Psalms 118:22, Mark 12:10, 1 Corinthians 3:11, Ephesians 2:20