What is the meaning of Psalm 118:22? The stone Psalm 118:22 opens with, “The stone….” That single image captures a vivid Old Testament theme fulfilled in Jesus. • Stones often symbolize strength and permanence (Genesis 49:24). • Isaiah 8:14 calls the coming Messiah “a stone of stumbling,” already hinting at both solidity and controversy. • Daniel 2:34–35 pictures a divinely cut stone that topples human kingdoms. Together these passages set our expectation: God Himself provides an unshakeable, living Stone—Christ—who embodies reliability and covenant faithfulness (compare 1 Peter 2:6). the builders Who are “the builders”? The psalmist points to those charged with spiritual construction—Israel’s leaders. • Jesus applies the verse to the chief priests and Pharisees in Matthew 21:42. • Peter echoes this before the Sanhedrin: “Jesus Christ of Nazareth… is ‘the stone you builders rejected’” (Acts 4:10–11). • These “builders” possessed knowledge of Scripture yet missed its fulfillment standing before them. Their example reminds us that religious position does not guarantee spiritual perception (see Romans 9:31–32). rejected The tragedy deepens: “The builders rejected” the very Stone sent to save them. • Isaiah 53:3 foretells, “He was despised and rejected by men.” • John 1:11 confirms, “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.” • Luke 23:18 records the crowd’s cry, “Away with this Man!” Still, God’s redemptive plan was not derailed. Human rejection became the stage for divine acceptance. has become The verse then turns on the triumphant phrase, “has become….” • Resurrection transformed seeming defeat into victory: “God raised Him up, releasing Him from the agony of death” (Acts 2:24). • Exaltation followed: “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place” (Philippians 2:9). • The rejected Stone is now enthroned; what looked like failure was actually the Father’s predestined pathway to glory (see Acts 2:23). the cornerstone Finally, the Stone “has become the cornerstone.” • Isaiah 28:16 predicted a “tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation.” • Ephesians 2:20 announces that God’s household is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.” • 1 Peter 2:7 celebrates, “To you who believe, this stone is precious.” A cornerstone aligns and unites the entire structure; Christ now anchors His people—Jew and Gentile alike—into one spiritual temple (1 Corinthians 3:11). summary Psalm 118:22 proclaims that the very One dismissed by religious “builders” is the divinely appointed Cornerstone. Though rejected at the cross, Jesus was vindicated through resurrection and now stands as the sure foundation for all who believe. Trusting Him means resting on a Stone that can never be shaken. |
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