Isaiah 28:16 - Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh, “Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone of a sure foundation. He who believes shall not act hastily.
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What does "Isaiah 28:16" mean?
Isaiah 28:16 is a powerful and multifaceted verse that has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context is Key:
Isaiah 28 is a rebuke to the leaders of Israel (specifically Ephraim/Samaria) for their drunken revelry, lack of wisdom, and reliance on alliances with foreign powers instead of trusting in God. They are complacent and think they are secure, but Isaiah warns of impending judgment.
Breaking Down the Verse:
"Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh..." - This introduces a divine declaration, emphasizing its authority and importance. Yahweh (often translated as Lord) is the personal name of God.
"...Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone..." - This speaks of God establishing something firm and lasting in Zion (Jerusalem), which is often symbolic of God's people and his kingdom. This foundation is not like the flimsy foundations the leaders are building their trust upon.
"...a tried stone..." - This stone is not just any stone. It has been tested and proven reliable. The Hebrew word translated "tried" (or "tested") implies it has been subjected to hardship and difficulty and has emerged strong and intact.
"...a precious cornerstone..." - The cornerstone is the most important stone in a building. It provides alignment, strength, and stability for the entire structure. The word "precious" emphasizes its value and significance.
"...of a sure foundation..." - This reinforces the idea that this stone is a foundation that can be relied upon, unlike the false securities the people are trusting in.
"He who believes shall not act hastily." - This is the key to understanding the purpose of the stone. Those who truly believe in and rely on this foundation (the "stone") will not be panicked or driven by fear into rash, impulsive actions. They will be characterized by stability, patience, and a sense of security rooted in their faith.
Interpretations and Significance:
Literal Interpretation (Historical Context): Some scholars believe this prophecy may have had an initial fulfillment in the righteous King Hezekiah, who trusted in the Lord during a time of great threat from the Assyrians. Hezekiah provided stability and leadership to Judah, in contrast to the foolish leadership of Ephraim.
Messianic Interpretation (Most Common): This verse is most commonly understood as a prophecy about the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Jesus as the Cornerstone: The New Testament directly connects this verse to Jesus. 1 Peter 2:6-8 quotes Isaiah 28:16, applying it to Christ: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." Ephesians 2:20 also speaks of believers being "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone."
Faith and Stability: Believing in Jesus, the "tried stone," provides a firm foundation for life. This faith brings inner peace and prevents people from acting rashly or being easily shaken by the challenges of life. Those who trust in Christ are not driven by fear or desperation, but by a confidence in God's plan.
In summary, Isaiah 28:16 prophesies about a reliable and tested foundation that God will establish in Zion. While it may have had a historical context, its primary significance lies in its messianic interpretation, pointing to Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of a sure foundation. Those who believe in him find stability, peace, and are empowered to live with wisdom and patience, rather than acting impulsively out of fear.
Therefore, trusting in the Lord Jesus, the "tried stone" will give stability and a firm foundation during times of turmoil.
Isaiah 28:16 - Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh, “Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone of a sure foundation. He who believes shall not act hastily.
What does "Isaiah 28:16" mean?
Isaiah 28:16 is a powerful and multifaceted verse that has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context is Key:
Isaiah 28 is a rebuke to the leaders of Israel (specifically Ephraim/Samaria) for their drunken revelry, lack of wisdom, and reliance on alliances with foreign powers instead of trusting in God. They are complacent and think they are secure, but Isaiah warns of impending judgment.
Breaking Down the Verse:
"Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh..." - This introduces a divine declaration, emphasizing its authority and importance. Yahweh (often translated as Lord) is the personal name of God.
"...Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone..." - This speaks of God establishing something firm and lasting in Zion (Jerusalem), which is often symbolic of God's people and his kingdom. This foundation is not like the flimsy foundations the leaders are building their trust upon.
"...a tried stone..." - This stone is not just any stone. It has been tested and proven reliable. The Hebrew word translated "tried" (or "tested") implies it has been subjected to hardship and difficulty and has emerged strong and intact.
"...a precious cornerstone..." - The cornerstone is the most important stone in a building. It provides alignment, strength, and stability for the entire structure. The word "precious" emphasizes its value and significance.
"...of a sure foundation..." - This reinforces the idea that this stone is a foundation that can be relied upon, unlike the false securities the people are trusting in.
"He who believes shall not act hastily." - This is the key to understanding the purpose of the stone. Those who truly believe in and rely on this foundation (the "stone") will not be panicked or driven by fear into rash, impulsive actions. They will be characterized by stability, patience, and a sense of security rooted in their faith.
Interpretations and Significance:
Literal Interpretation (Historical Context): Some scholars believe this prophecy may have had an initial fulfillment in the righteous King Hezekiah, who trusted in the Lord during a time of great threat from the Assyrians. Hezekiah provided stability and leadership to Judah, in contrast to the foolish leadership of Ephraim.
Messianic Interpretation (Most Common): This verse is most commonly understood as a prophecy about the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Jesus as the Cornerstone: The New Testament directly connects this verse to Jesus. 1 Peter 2:6-8 quotes Isaiah 28:16, applying it to Christ: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." Ephesians 2:20 also speaks of believers being "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone."
Faith and Stability: Believing in Jesus, the "tried stone," provides a firm foundation for life. This faith brings inner peace and prevents people from acting rashly or being easily shaken by the challenges of life. Those who trust in Christ are not driven by fear or desperation, but by a confidence in God's plan.
In summary, Isaiah 28:16 prophesies about a reliable and tested foundation that God will establish in Zion. While it may have had a historical context, its primary significance lies in its messianic interpretation, pointing to Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of a sure foundation. Those who believe in him find stability, peace, and are empowered to live with wisdom and patience, rather than acting impulsively out of fear.
Therefore, trusting in the Lord Jesus, the "tried stone" will give stability and a firm foundation during times of turmoil.