therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes that the foundation being laid in Zion is "tried" and "sure," meaning it's not just strong but has been tested and proven reliable. This isn't just about God's power, but His faithfulness, assuring us that those who trust in Him won't be caught in hasty, panicked decisions when trouble comes.
therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Isaiah is addressing the proud and self-reliant leaders of Judah, who are trusting in their alliances and deceptive strategies for security instead of God. He has just warned them that their "covenant with death" and "refuge of lies" will be swept away by divine judgment. In contrast to their false hopes, Isaiah now offers a divine promise of a true foundation for security in Zion.
In the face of impending judgment and the people's misplaced trust, God declares His unwavering commitment to Zion.
The prophecy begins with a stark contrast: the people of Judah are relying on false refuges, like a 'covenant with death' (Isaiah 28:15), which will ultimately fail them.
In response, God declares, 'Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone...' (Isaiah 28:16). This isn't just about a physical building or a political alliance. It signifies God's foundational plan, rooted in Zion, for His people's ultimate security and salvation. Despite the coming destruction and the people's foolishness, God is establishing something permanent. This foundation is His promise and His presence, centered on a future reality that will endure all storms.
The repetition of 'foundation' emphasizes the absolute stability and reliability of God's purpose. This isn't a contingency plan; it's the bedrock upon which His eternal kingdom will be built.
What makes this foundation stone so reliable? It's not just any stone; it's a stone of proven worth.
The verse doesn't just say 'a stone,' but specifies its qualities: 'a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation.'
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These descriptions collectively point to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is God's ultimate provision for His people's security against all judgment and opposition.
What is the proper human response to God's unshakeable foundation? It's not panic, but patient trust.
The ultimate outcome for those who place their faith in this divine foundation is found in the last phrase: 'Whoever believes will not be in haste.'
This means that true faith doesn't lead to frantic actions or desperate attempts to save oneself when trouble comes. Instead, it cultivates a deep-seated calm and patience.
Understand the original words
Adonai Yahweh · Hebrew Noun phrase
A title for God emphasizing His absolute sovereignty, authority, and covenantal relationship with His people; it combines the personal name of God (Yahweh) with the title of Ruler/Master (Adonai).
musad · Hebrew Noun
Metaphorical term representing the foundational support or basis of a structure; in biblical typology, it refers to the stability of God's plan or the promised Messiah upon whom the faith of the people rests.
Tsiyyon · Hebrew Noun
A symbolic term used for God's presence, the site of the Temple, and the center of God's redemptive work; it represents the gathering place of God's people and the seat of His throne.
bachan · Hebrew Adjective
A term denoting a reliable, trustworthy, and proven object; it signifies that God's work is established and capable of sustaining the weight placed upon it.
pinnah · Hebrew Noun
A stone placed at the intersection of two walls to provide stability; theologically, it refers to the indispensable, foundational element or Person (Christ) that supports the entire structure of God's kingdom.
aman · Hebrew Verb
To put trust in, rely upon, or hold fast to; in a biblical context, it signifies a settled confidence in God's promises that produces stability of soul, preventing panicked or rash behavior.
This prophecy emerged during a period of immense pressure on Judah, with the Assyrian empire looming large. Isaiah's message offers a stark contrast: the 'rulers' trusted in deceitful 'covenants with death,' while God offered an unshakeable foundation in Zion – a cornerstone of salvation, ultimately fulfilled in the Messiah, upon whom true believers could confidently rest.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Isaiah's Ministry Begins
Isaiah begins his prophetic ministry in Judah during a time of political instability and religious compromise, warning against reliance on foreign alliances and false security.
c. 734-732 BC
Syro-Ephraimite War
The kingdoms of Syria and Israel (Ephraim) attempt to force Judah into an anti-Assyrian coalition. Isaiah urges King Ahaz to trust God, not alliances, but Ahaz seeks help from Assyria.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) falls to the Assyrian Empire, highlighting the consequences of political and religious unfaithfulness.
c. 701 BC
Sennacherib's Invasion
Assyrian King Sennacherib invades Judah, capturing many cities and besieging Jerusalem. Hezekiah's faith in God, based on Isaiah's prophecies, leads to Jerusalem's miraculous deliverance.
This Psalm is a celebration of God's deliverance, and it directly calls the stone that the builders rejected the 'head of the corner.' This passage in Isaiah foreshadows that same cornerstone, Jesus Christ, who would be rejected but become the most vital part of God's building.
Matthew 21:42Here, Jesus directly quotes Psalm 118:22 (which echoes Isaiah 28:16) and applies it to himself. He shows how the prophecy of the rejected cornerstone has a clear fulfillment in his own ministry, death, and resurrection.
Romans 9:33Paul explicitly links Isaiah's prophecy to Jesus, stating that He is the stone laid in Zion. This reference highlights that belief in this stone is the way to salvation, and those who believe will not be put to shame, mirroring Isaiah's 'not make haste.'
1 Peter 2:6Peter quotes Isaiah 28:16 and Psalm 118:22, again identifying Christ as the 'precious cornerstone.' This passage emphasizes that believing in Him is essential for all who are building their lives on God's foundation, and they will not be disappointed.
Ephesians 2:20This verse describes the church as built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. It shows how Isaiah's vision of a sure foundation in Zion extends to the universal church, unified in Christ.
barnesIsaiah 28:16: "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."
Therefore thus saith the Lord - God. This verse is introductory to the solemn threatening which follows. Its design seems to be this. The prophet was about to utter an awful threatening of the judgment of God upon the nation. It might be supposed, perhaps, that the intention was completely to sweep t…
bensonIsaiah 28:16: "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."
Isaiah 28:16 . Therefore, thus saith the Lord — Because your refuges are vain and deceitful; therefore I will direct you to a better and surer refuge, which will never fail those that trust to it, which God hath prepared in Zion. But if you shall despise and reject that refuge, which I now offer to y…
The verse emphasizes that the foundation being laid in Zion is "tried" and "sure," meaning it's not just strong but has been tested and proven reliable. This isn't just about God's power, but His faithfulness, assuring us that those who trust in Him won't be caught in hasty, panicked decisions when trouble comes.
The prophet Isaiah is addressing the proud and self-reliant leaders of Judah, who are trusting in their alliances and deceptive strategies for security instead of God. He has just warned them that their "covenant with death" and "refuge of lies" will be swept away by divine judgment. In contrast to their false hopes, Isaiah now offers a divine promise of a true foundation for security in Zion.
The prophet Isaiah is addressing the proud and self-reliant leaders of Judah, who are trusting in their alliances and deceptive strategies for security instead of God. He has just warned them that their "covenant with death" and "refuge of lies" will be swept away by divine judgment. In contrast to their false hopes, Isaiah now offers a divine promise of a true foundation for security in Zion.
"therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’" — The verse emphasizes that the foundation being laid in Zion is "tried" and "sure," meaning it's not just strong but has been tested and proven reliable. This isn't just about God's power, but His fai…
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Last reviewed October 2026