Psalms 118:22-26
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The most striking thing here isn't just that a rejected stone is now important, but that the "builders"—the very ones meant to know good stone and build well—were the ones who missed its value. This highlights how those in positions of authority or expertise can tragically misjudge what God truly esteems.
This psalm is a celebration of God's deliverance and victory, likely sung as part of a procession entering Jerusalem to worship. The verses leading up to this speak of being surrounded by enemies and crying out to the Lord for salvation. The immediate context is one of thanksgiving and acknowledging God's powerful intervention, framing the "rejected stone" as a testament to His surprising and ultimate triumph.
Ever felt overlooked or dismissed, like your talents or contributions weren't seen? This verse speaks to that, but with a twist of divine power.
Imagine a construction project where the lead builders, the experts, discard a crucial piece of stone. They deem it unusable, flawed, or simply not fitting their grand design. Then, against all odds and their professional judgment, this very stone becomes the most vital part of the entire structure – the cornerstone that holds everything together.
This isn't just a metaphor for personal setbacks. It's about God's perspective. He takes what the world, and even religious leaders, reject and elevates it to the most important position. It shows us that God's plans often defy human logic and ambition.
This ancient psalm, sung for centuries, held a prophetic weight that even Jesus and his apostles recognized. What does that tell us about God's unfolding plan?
While this verse could describe any instance where the rejected is exalted, its most profound meaning points to Jesus. The 'builders' – the religious leaders of his day, the 'experts' in God's law – rejected Jesus. They couldn't see him as the Messiah they expected. They missed the divine plan unfolding right before them.
But God's plan was not thwarted. Jesus, the one the religious establishment pushed aside, became the foundation of the entire Christian faith. He is the cornerstone that unites all believers, Jews and Gentiles, past, present, and future, into one spiritual building.
Understand the original words
eben · Hebrew Noun
A hard, solid mineral mass; in Scripture, frequently used as a metaphor for God's stability, protection, or the foundation of the faith (often pointing toward the Messiah).
rosh pinnah · Hebrew Noun phrase
The chief stone at the corner of a building, which binds two walls together and provides the foundational level and direction for the entire structure.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenant-keeping name of God revealed to Israel; He who is self-existent, faithful, and the source of all existence.
niphlah · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
Something that causes astonishment, wonder, or awe; often used in Scripture to describe God’s miraculous interventions or His majestic works that transcend human expectation.
This verse finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who, though rejected by the religious 'builders' of His day, was exalted by God to be the cornerstone of His church, uniting people from all nations.
c. 1040 BC
David Rejected by Some Tribes
Following Saul's reign, Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, was initially favored by some tribes, while David, though anointed by God, faced initial rejection by parts of Israel.
c. 1010 BC
David United All Tribes as King
David eventually unified all the tribes of Israel under his rule, becoming a strong king and central figure for the nation.
c. 6th Century BC
Zerubbabel's Post-Exilic Leadership
Zerubbabel led the Jewish exiles returning from Babylon and was instrumental in rebuilding the Temple, facing opposition from local rulers.
Early 1st Century AD— this verse
Jesus Rejected by Religious Leaders
Jesus, seen by many as the Messiah, was rejected by the chief priests, scribes, and Pharisees, the 'builders' of religious life.
Jesus explicitly quotes this verse and applies it to Himself, highlighting His rejection by the Jewish leaders and His ultimate exaltation by God as the cornerstone of the new spiritual building, the Church.
Acts 4:11Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, again quotes this verse, emphasizing that Jesus, the one despised and rejected by the religious authorities, is the only source of salvation and the cornerstone of God's people.
1 Peter 2:7Peter connects this passage to Jesus, describing Him as precious to believers who trust in Him, while He is a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to those who disobey God's Word.
Ephesians 2:20This verse describes the Church as being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ Himself as the cornerstone, showing how He is the essential uniting element of God's people.
Zechariah 4:7While not a direct quote, this passage about Zerubbabel overseeing the rebuilding of the temple and the 'head stone' being brought forth with shouts of 'grace, grace' has been seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's work and ultimate triumph.
pulpitPsalms 118:22: "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner."
Verse 22. - The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. The primary and literal meaning seems to be - " Israel, which the great of the world, those who think to arrange the world ac cording to their own ideas, have rejected and would fain have cast aside, has, nevertheless, despite their rejection, attained to eminence, and been advanced, by the course of events, into s…
clarkePsalms 118:22: "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner."
The stone which the builders refused - See a full elucidation of these two verses in the notes on Matthew 21:42 (note).
The most striking thing here isn't just that a rejected stone is now important, but that the "builders"—the very ones meant to know good stone and build well—were the ones who missed its value. This highlights how those in positions of authority or expertise can tragically misjudge what God truly esteems.
This psalm is a celebration of God's deliverance and victory, likely sung as part of a procession entering Jerusalem to worship. The verses leading up to this speak of being surrounded by enemies and crying out to the Lord for salvation. The immediate context is one of thanksgiving and acknowledging God's powerful intervention, framing the "rejected stone" as a testament to His surprising and ultimate triumph.
This psalm is a celebration of God's deliverance and victory, likely sung as part of a procession entering Jerusalem to worship. The verses leading up to this speak of being surrounded by enemies and crying out to the Lord for salvation. The immediate context is one of thanksgiving and acknowledging God's powerful intervention, framing the "rejected stone" as a testament to His surprising and ultimate triumph.
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gil / samach · Hebrew Verb
To experience deep-seated, spiritual joy and exultation, typically as a communal response to God's presence, deliverance, or redemptive work.
yasha · Hebrew Verb
An urgent plea for divine intervention, deliverance, or rescue; famously echoed in the New Testament as 'Hosanna' (Hoshana).
na · Hebrew Particle (interjection)
An earnest request or petition, often directed toward God, acknowledging dependence on His favor and sovereign will.
tsalach · Hebrew Verb
To experience divine favor, breakthrough, or the successful outcome of an endeavor through God's blessing rather than human merit alone.
baruk · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
To be brought into a state of spiritual favor, happiness, or divine prosperity by God. It signifies the bestowal of divine favor and the pronouncement of God's approval.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of the Creator God of Israel, revealing His eternal, self-existent nature as the I AM. It is the name through which He makes His character and saving works known to His people.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus
Despite being seen as a stumbling block by Jewish leaders and foolishness by Gentiles, Jesus was crucified.
c. AD 30s
Apostles Proclaim Christ's Exaltation
After Christ's resurrection and ascension, the apostles, including Peter and the early church leaders, proclaimed Him as the cornerstone, despite facing persecution from the same religious establishment.
"The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Save us, we pray, O L…" — The most striking thing here isn't just that a rejected stone is now important, but that the "builders"—the very ones meant to know good stone and build well—were the ones who missed its value. This…
