Lexical Summary musad: Foundation Original Word: מוּסָד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance foundation From yacad; a foundation -- foundation. see HEBREW yacad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom yasad Definition foundation, foundation laying NASB Translation foundation (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מוּסָד noun masculineIsaiah 28:16 foundation, foundation-laying; — מוּסָד Isaiah 28:16 (see יסד Hoph`al); עַדהַֿיּוֺם ׳מוּסַד בית י2Chronicles 8:16 until day (of) the foundation laying of the house of ׳י. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Semantic Range מֻסָּד denotes the firm, laid-down substructure on which a building rests. It is never used figuratively in the sense of “plan” or “scheme”; the word always points to the literal or metaphorical support that guarantees stability, safety and permanence. Occurrences and Immediate Contexts • 2 Chronicles 8:16: “Now all the work of Solomon was completed from the day the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid until its completion. So the house of the LORD was finished.” The term underscores the continuity of temple building from its first stone to its final adornment, highlighting both divine enablement and royal diligence. Historical and Covenant Background In the Ancient Near East, foundation ceremonies involved dedicatory rites, sometimes even the burial of foundation deposits. Israel’s temple foundation differed: it was laid in acknowledgment of the LORD’s covenant presence (1 Kings 8:13). By using מֻסָּד, the Chronicler roots Solomon’s entire construction enterprise in that sacred moment when the first stone was placed, reminding post-exilic readers that their identity likewise rests on what God has irrevocably established. Isaiah speaks to Judah during political and spiritual instability. The prophet contrasts human alliances (Isaiah 28:15) with the LORD’s sovereign act of laying a dependable foundation in Zion. The shift from national anxiety to eschatological assurance invites the people to base their security not on treaties but on God’s promised structure. Theological Significance 1. Divine Initiative: In both instances God is the ultimate architect. Whether through Solomon’s workforce or through the prophetic word, the LORD is the One who “lays” the foundation. Christological Fulfillment New Testament writers quote Isaiah 28:16 to proclaim Jesus Christ as the long-awaited foundation: Romans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:6; Ephesians 2:20. Jesus is both the cornerstone and the tested stone, fully qualified through incarnation, obedience, death and resurrection. The use of מֻסָּד therefore anticipates the person and work of Christ, who embodies the secure base upon which the Church is built (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:11). Intertextual Connections • Psalm 118:22 speaks of the stone rejected by builders becoming the head of the corner, harmonizing with Isaiah’s sure foundation language. Implications for Ministry and Discipleship 1. Gospel Proclamation: Preaching should present Christ as the only secure foundation for salvation, countering contemporary “refuges” of self-help, relativism or material security. Devotional Reflection Just as Solomon’s builders worked from the day the foundation was laid until the temple was finished, so the Lord oversees the lifelong construction of each believer. Every setback is measured against a base already in place; every advance relies on strength already supplied. Standing on that foundation, the Church and the individual can echo David’s confession: “He lifted me up… and set my feet upon a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand” (Psalm 40:2). Forms and Transliterations מוּסַ֥ד מוּסָ֣ד מוסד mū·saḏ mū·sāḏ muSad mūsaḏ mūsāḏLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Chronicles 8:16 HEB: עַד־ הַיּ֛וֹם מוּסַ֥ד בֵּית־ יְהוָ֖ה NAS: out from the day of the foundation of the house KJV: unto the day of the foundation of the house INT: and until the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD Isaiah 28:16 2 Occurrences |
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