Psalms 118:22
“The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.”
Psalm 118:22 (KJV) says: The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
Context: Psalm 118 is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God for His steadfast love and enduring faithfulness. It is attributed to King David and is known as one of the “Hallel” psalms, which were recited during Jewish festivals.
Symbolic Meaning: The verse in question contains a metaphorical statement. In biblical imagery, a cornerstone refers to a foundational stone placed at the corner of a building, which provides stability and alignment for the entire structure. In this verse, the psalmist refers to a stone that was initially rejected or overlooked by the builders but eventually became the crucial cornerstone.
Messianic Prophecy: This verse is often interpreted as a Messianic prophecy. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is referred to as the “stone which the builders rejected” in several passages (e.g., Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, Luke 20:17, Acts 4:11, 1 Peter 2:7). These verses suggest that Jesus, who was initially rejected by the religious leaders of His time, would become the cornerstone of God’s Kingdom and the head of the Church.
Relevance to Jesus: Jesus faced rejection during His earthly ministry. Despite performing miracles, teaching with authority, and fulfilling numerous prophecies, He was rejected and crucified by the religious leaders of His day. However, through His resurrection, He became the central figure of Christianity and the foundation upon which the Church was built. Thus, the verse emphasizes the ultimate exaltation and vindication of Jesus Christ despite His initial rejection.
Application for Believers: This verse has broader implications for believers as well. It reminds us that God often uses what seems insignificant or disregarded by the world to accomplish His purposes. Just as the rejected stone became the cornerstone, God can take the weak, despised, or overlooked individuals and use them mightily in His Kingdom. It encourages believers to trust in God’s sovereignty and to find hope and assurance in His ability to transform our lives.
