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. (Isaiah 28:16)
The Hebrew expression may also mean, “not become alarmed,”“not act on impulse.” He who rests his faith in Christ may move forward in perfect confidence and trust; he will never have need for precipitate flight. He will not become alarmed in the midst of trying circumstances, but will trust in God (see on ch. 26:3, 4).
A precious corner stone.
This was to be none other than the Messiah (see Matt. 21:42; Acts 4:10, 11; Rom. 9:33; Eph. 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6-8). Here was a tested Stone upon which the church could safely stand. Whatever storms might dash against the structure erected upon that foundation, it would never give way (see on Matt. 7:24-27). For the nature and use of ancient cornerstones, see on Matt. 21:42. For Christ as the Rock on which the church is built, see on Matt. 16:18.
A foundation.
Utterly deceived, the leaders of Judah were building upon a foundation of sand. Ruin and destruction would inevitably be the lot of the nation if the leaders continued to have their way (see on ch. 3:12). A better foundation was needed.