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Isaiah 28:16
Verse
Context
A Cornerstone in Zion
15For you said, “We have made a covenant with death; we have fashioned an agreement with Sheol. When the overwhelming scourge passes through it will not touch us, because we have made lies our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.” 16So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. 17I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level. Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Behold, I lay in Zion - See the notes on Gen 49:32; Psa 118:22 (note); Mat 21:42 (note); Act 4:11 (note); Rom 9:33 (note); Rom 10:11 (note); Eph 2:20 (note); Pe1 2:6-8 (note). Kimchi understands this of Hezekiah; but it most undoubtedly belongs to Jesus Christ alone; and his application of it to himself, even the Jews could not contest.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Literally, "Behold Me as Him who has laid"; namely, in My divine counsel (Rev 13:8); none save I could lay it (Isa 63:5). stone--Jesus Christ; Hezekiah [MAURER], or the temple [EWALD], do not realize the full significancy of the language; but only in type point to Him, in whom the prophecy receives its exhaustive accomplishment; whether Isaiah understood its fulness or not (Pe1 1:11-12), the Holy Ghost plainly contemplated its fulfilment in Christ alone; so in Isa 32:1; compare Gen 49:24; Psa 118:22; Mat 21:42; Rom 10:11; Eph 2:20. tried--both by the devil (Luk 4:1-13) and by men (Luke 20:1-38), and even by God (Mat 27:46); a stone of tested solidity to bear the vast superstructure of man's redemption. The tested righteousness of Christ gives its peculiar merit to His vicarious sacrifice. The connection with the context is, though a "scourge" shall visit Judea (Isa 28:15), yet God's gracious purpose as to the elect remnant, and His kingdom of which "Zion" shall be the center, shall not fail, because its rests on Messiah (Mat 7:24-25; Ti2 2:19). precious--literally, "of preciousness," so in the Greek, (Pe1 2:7). He is preciousness. corner-stone-- (Kg1 5:17; Kg1 7:9; Job 38:6); the stone laid at the corner where two walls meet and connecting them; often costly. make haste--flee in hasty alarm; but the Septuagint has "be ashamed"; so Rom 9:33, and Pe1 2:6, "be confounded," substantially the same idea; he who rests on Him shall not have the shame of disappointment, nor flee in sudden panic (see Isa 30:15; Isa 32:17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Judgment also will I lay to the line,.... A metaphor taken from builders, who in building use the line and plummet to carry on their work even and regular, retaining such stones as agree thereunto, and rejecting such as do not; signifying, that in the spiritual building, where Christ is the foundation and cornerstone, such as are built thereon shall continue and grow up regularly into a holy temple; but those that set at nought this precious stone, and build upon the sandy foundation of their own righteousness, betake themselves to a refuge of lies, and cover themselves in their own hiding places, as well as all such who go on in their sins, shall be rejected by the righteous judgment of God: and righteousness to the plummet; meaning the same as before; or, "I will lay judgment by the line, and righteousness by the plummet" (w); the rule of the divine law, by which it will appear whether their actions are agreeable to it, or the righteousness they trust in answerable to it; or the sense is, that at the same time that God would preserve and secure his own people upon the sure foundation Christ, he would punish others, according to the strict rules of justice, as his righteous law required, and according to the just demerit of sin. Kimchi interprets it, but very wrongly, of the justice and equity that should take place in the reign of Hezekiah, which were wanting at the time of this prophecy; but the preceding prophecy regards Christ, and not Hezekiah; and therefore is rather to be understood of the right and equal distribution of justice and judgment in the administration of government by him: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies; the lies they made their refuge, Isa 28:15 their lying prophets, their idols, their riches, their righteousness, and everything in which they placed their confidence; for all refuges, be they what they will, are lying ones, and will deceive, excepting Christ and his righteousness; all which are easily and at once swept away, with the besom of avenging justice, when God takes it in hand. The phrase denotes the facility and suddenness of the destruction, and the entirety of it, which should be brought about by means of a "hail" storm, the same with that in Isa 28:2 which designs the Assyrian, or rather the Roman army, since the prophecy preceding relates to the times of Christ; and it may be, by the refuge of lies may be meant the temple, in which the Jews greatly placed their confidence, as Cocceius thinks: and the waters shall overflow the hiding place; the city of Jerusalem, where they hid, and thought themselves safe: a mighty army rushing into a city, and putting the inhabitants to the sword, or to flight, or obliging them to surrender, may be fitly signified by an inundation of water; see Isa 8:7 very probably the army of the Romans under Vespasian. (w) So Gataker.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
28:16 The Lord himself is the reliable foundation stone in Jerusalem, a precious cornerstone of the true city of God. There would be real hope in Jerusalem if the leaders and the people would only turn to him. If they would trust in God, they would be secure in the most terrible storm or the most devastating earthquake (see 8:14; Ps 118:22; Matt 7:24-27; 21:42; see the application to Jesus Christ, Rom 9:33; 10:11; 1 Cor 3:11; Eph 2:20; 1 Pet 2:4-7).
Isaiah 28:16
A Cornerstone in Zion
15For you said, “We have made a covenant with death; we have fashioned an agreement with Sheol. When the overwhelming scourge passes through it will not touch us, because we have made lies our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.” 16So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. 17I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level. Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Avoiding the Storms of Life
By Warren Wiersbe21K37:39TrialsISA 28:16MAT 6:33ACT 27:25ACT 27:44ROM 9:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Paul and his companions encountering a storm while on a ship. The speaker highlights different reactions to the storm, such as drifting and working hard without God's help. Despite their efforts, everything they did ultimately failed to save them. The speaker emphasizes that storms cannot harm the child of God, even if they may lose material possessions. The sermon encourages listeners to find encouragement and strength in God during the storms of life.
Full Time Ministry
By David Wilkerson7.6K55:59ApathyISA 28:16REV 1:9REV 1:19REV 3:20REV 4:1REV 22:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word to comfort and encourage His people, even in times of fear and insecurity. The sermon is based on Isaiah 28, where the nation is under judgment and has made an agreement with hell and death. The preacher highlights the need for believers to have a "Patmos experience," where they shut out distractions and seek the voice of the Lord. He challenges the congregation to have a media fast and become full-time ministers unto the Lord, just like John on the island of Patmos.
One Strange Stone
By Jim Cymbala5.1K54:15Stumbling StoneISA 8:14ISA 28:16ROM 9:30In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept that some good things can have a negative impact on people. He gives examples of how ambulances, which save lives, can also bring death, and how water, essential for life, can also be deadly. The preacher then addresses the idea that some people believe they can live a good life without the need for a miraculous conversion or being born again. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in Jesus, who is referred to as the stone that causes men to stumble but also offers salvation to those who trust in him. The sermon concludes with the message that Jesus is a strange stone, both causing stumbling and offering eternal security.
A Few Sighs From Hell (Reading)
By John Bunyan4.6K36:41ISA 28:16ISA 53:1MAT 6:33LUK 16:24JHN 3:16ROM 10:16HEB 2:3In this sermon transcript, the preacher warns the listeners to consider the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and not to delay in accepting it. He emphasizes the consequences of rejecting this grace, stating that those who do will eventually find themselves in hell, crying out in anguish. The preacher highlights the foolishness of choosing worldly pleasures and sin over the offer of salvation and eternal life. He compares the state of the ungodly to someone in a swoon, unaware of their surroundings until they wake up in hell. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's spiritual state and accepting God's grace before it is too late.
Being Built Up as Living Stones
By Bob Hoekstra2.8K59:30ISA 28:16ROM 12:1COL 2:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of continually coming to Jesus as the cornerstone of our faith, highlighting the process of being built up as living stones in God's spiritual house. It explores the concept of believers being a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ, and the assurance that those who believe in Him will not be put to shame.
The Chief Cornerstone
By A.W. Tozer2.5K42:09Jesus ChristPSA 118:23ISA 28:16MAT 6:331PE 2:41PE 2:8In this sermon, the preacher talks about the importance of humility and realizing that we don't amount to much in the eyes of God. He shares his experiences at camp meetings where he learned to be humble and not to rely on worldly positions or achievements. The preacher also emphasizes the need for genuine worship and not seeking self-promotion or admiration from others. He encourages the congregation to focus on obeying the Bible and taking action in their lives rather than just acquiring knowledge.
Mid South Conference 1978-03 Fellowship in the Gospel
By Aldy Fam Fanous1.2K33:12GospelISA 2:11ISA 4:2ISA 11:10ISA 28:16JHN 10:28ROM 12:1PHP 1:6The sermon transcript begins with a call to believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to God and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. The speaker emphasizes the importance of looking to Jesus Christ daily and living in fellowship with Him. The sermon then takes a sudden shift as the speaker recalls his experience in New York City and the sense of urgency he felt. The sermon concludes with an announcement about a film called "Kisses Sunday" that explores the concept of the tribulation and the events that will occur after the war. The speaker mentions a verse from the Bible that is vividly portrayed in the film.
(Acts) the Only Way to Get to Heaven
By Brian Brodersen92956:37ISA 28:16MAT 6:33JHN 14:6JHN 17:1ACT 4:8In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the eternal truth and power of God's Word. He then focuses on the topic of salvation, highlighting its importance and the responsibility each individual has in seeking it. The speaker references Peter's defense in Acts chapter 4, where Peter lays down universal absolute truth about the way of salvation. He emphasizes the significance of the prophets' predictions and the apostles' confirmation of the message of the resurrection, even to the point of shedding their blood in support of their belief. The speaker also acknowledges the existence of people who give their lives for various causes, but asserts that the apostles' sacrifice specifically validates the truth of the resurrection.
False Refuge
By Rolfe Barnard72347:40FalseISA 28:14ISA 28:16JER 2:13MAT 7:21JHN 5:392TI 4:32PE 3:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the state of the people and how they have turned to lies and falsehood as their refuge. He refers to the scripture that says God has laid a sure foundation, a precious cornerstone, for those who believe in Him. The preacher also discusses the concept of being lost and how Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He emphasizes that salvation is not based on external factors like profession or membership, but on knowing and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance and a reminder that God desires all people to come to Him.
(Christ in Isaiah) Part 2
By Tom Orr7091:04:44ISA 6:1ISA 28:16ISA 32:1JHN 12:37In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking to excel in Christian experience. He refers to the verse in 1 Corinthians 12 where it says to earnestly desire the best gifts. The speaker then focuses on the phrase "covet the best" and encourages the audience to understand the significance of staying close to Christ and seeking His guidance. He references Isaiah 40:11, where it describes God as a shepherd who gathers His people and cares for them. The sermon concludes with a reminder that Jesus is the good shepherd who gave His life for His sheep.
Those Who Call on the Lord
By Shane Idleman60243:09ISA 28:16MAT 7:24ACT 4:12ROM 10:13HEB 11:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of calling upon the name of the Lord for salvation. It delves into the rejection of the cornerstone, Jesus Christ, and the consequences of not building one's life on Him. The message highlights the need for genuine transformation, love for God's word, humility, selfless love, and a disconnect from the world as evidence of true faith. It also stresses the graciousness of God in providing opportunities for repentance and restoration.
(Through the Bible) Isaiah - Part 1
By Zac Poonen51257:39ISA 6:8ISA 9:6ISA 11:6ISA 12:2ISA 26:3ISA 28:16ISA 30:18ISA 33:14ISA 35:8This sermon delves into the book of Isaiah, exploring the prophetical messages and historical events outlined in the Old Testament. It highlights the importance of surrendering to God, the consequences of sin and pride, the need for discernment, the power of the anointing, the unity of Jews and Gentiles in the church, and the promise of resurrection and restoration. The sermon emphasizes the significance of fearing God, seeking His will over our own, and finding peace in Him amidst trials and tribulations.
The Trial by Fire of Every Man's Work
By J.C. Philpot0ISA 28:16MAT 16:171CO 3:121CO 6:191PE 1:7J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of building our spiritual lives on the foundation of Christ, emphasizing the need for a superstructure of faith, hope, and love that is in harmony with the foundation. He warns against the dangers of legalism, self-righteousness, and false religion, likening them to wood, hay, and stubble that will be consumed by the fire of God's testing. Philpot urges believers to ensure their spiritual building materials are gold, silver, and precious stones, representing valuable and enduring truths, graces, and manifestations of God's love.
Solomon's Temple a Figure of the Church; and the Two Pillars, Jachin and Boaz, Typical of Christ.
By John Gill0The ChurchChrist as Our Foundation1KI 7:21PSA 75:3ISA 26:4ISA 28:16ISA 40:29MAT 16:18JHN 2:191CO 3:16HEB 6:19REV 3:12John Gill preaches on the significance of Solomon's Temple as a representation of the Church, emphasizing the two pillars, Jachin and Boaz, which symbolize Christ. He explains that Jachin, meaning 'He shall establish,' signifies God's promise to establish His Church and believers, while Boaz, meaning 'In Him is strength,' represents the strength found in Christ. Gill draws parallels between the temple's structure and the spiritual body of believers, highlighting the importance of being part of the Church as a pillar of truth and support. He encourages the congregation to rely on Christ for strength and stability in their faith, assuring them that true believers are established and upheld by Him. The sermon concludes with a call to trust in the Lord for everlasting strength and to recognize Christ as the foundation of their faith.
1 Peter 2:1
By John Gill0Holy LivingObedience to AuthorityISA 28:16EPH 4:22HEB 12:11PE 2:1John Gill emphasizes the call for believers to live a holy life, urging them to lay aside vices such as malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking, which are unbecoming of those who are born again. He compares the desire for the Gospel to that of newborn babes craving milk, highlighting its purity and necessity for spiritual growth. Gill encourages believers to embrace their identity as a chosen people, called to offer spiritual sacrifices and to live honorably among others, thereby glorifying God. He also addresses the importance of obedience to civil authorities, reminding them that their freedom in Christ should not be used as a cover for wrongdoing. Ultimately, he points to Christ's example of suffering and righteousness as a model for their conduct.
1 Peter 2:6
By John Gill0Assurance in FaithChrist as CornerstonePSA 118:22ISA 28:16MAT 7:24ROM 10:111CO 3:11EPH 2:202TI 1:12HEB 13:51PE 2:61JN 2:28John Gill emphasizes the significance of Christ as the chief cornerstone, as prophesied in Isaiah 28:16, highlighting His divine selection and preciousness to both God and humanity. He explains that Christ not only strengthens and adorns the spiritual building of the church but also unites believers across all ages and places. Gill reassures that those who believe in Christ will not be ashamed or confounded, as their faith provides safety and confidence both in this life and the next. The sermon underscores the importance of recognizing Christ's role in our spiritual lives and the assurance that comes from trusting in Him.
The Stone of Salvation or Destruction
By Horatius Bonar0Christ as the CornerstoneRejection and Acceptance of JesusGEN 49:24DEU 32:18DEU 32:311SA 23:3PSA 28:1PSA 95:1ISA 26:4ISA 28:16MAT 21:441PE 2:4Horatius Bonar explores the multifaceted significance of the 'stone' in Matthew 21:44, emphasizing its role as a symbol of Christ. He discusses how this stone represents rejection, honor, stumbling, and ultimately destruction, urging listeners to consider their response to Christ. Bonar highlights that acceptance of this stone leads to salvation, while rejection results in eternal consequences. He calls for a personal evaluation of one's relationship with Jesus, the cornerstone of faith, and warns of the impending judgment for those who do not embrace Him. The sermon serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing Christ's true value in our lives.
The Leisure of Faith
By George H. Morrison0PSA 46:10ISA 28:16JHN 21:15GAL 6:92PE 3:8George H. Morrison preaches about the connection between the modern city's haste and the decline of faith, emphasizing that the lack of restfulness is rooted in the lack of trust. He highlights the importance of distinguishing between strenuous speed and the spirit of haste, encouraging Christians to be 'unhasting but unresting' in their pursuits. Morrison also discusses the dangers of hasty judgments, the temptation to hurry to enjoy life's pleasures, the need to wait patiently for results, and the slowness of God's dealings with humanity due to His belief in mankind's potential.
Epistle 309
By George Fox0PeaceRighteousnessEXO 23:1ISA 26:4ISA 28:16EZK 38:23MAT 5:9MAT 18:7LUK 2:49PHP 4:81TH 4:12HEB 7:2George Fox emphasizes the importance of seeking peace among all people, which is found in Christ and cannot be taken away by the world. He highlights the blessings for peacemakers and warns against causing strife and offense. Fox encourages believers to act and speak in the righteousness of Christ, ensuring that their actions reflect God's love and truth. He advises against spreading evil reports and stresses the need for careful judgment and virtuous conduct in all interactions. Ultimately, he calls for a focus on the presence and wisdom of God to maintain righteousness and peace within the community.
The Eternal God the Refuge of His Saints
By J.C. Philpot0DEU 33:27JDG 3:1PSA 18:2ISA 25:4ISA 28:16ISA 32:2JHN 6:451CO 10:13J.C. Philpot preaches on the eternal God being our refuge and the everlasting arms underneath us, promising to thrust out the enemy before us and charging us to destroy them. He explains the significance of God as our refuge in the midst of trials, afflictions, and temptations, emphasizing the need to fully surrender our sins to God. Philpot highlights the eternal nature of God's love, wisdom, and power, and encourages believers to trust in the Lord's strength to overcome their enemies within. The sermon beautifully illustrates the journey of grace from seeking refuge in God to destroying our sinful nature with His help.
(Finding God's Will) 2. Conditions for Finding God's Will
By Zac Poonen0Faith and ObedienceDivine GuidancePSA 37:5PSA 130:6PRO 3:5ISA 28:16ISA 30:21JER 29:13LUK 11:34ROM 12:1HEB 11:6JAS 1:5Zac Poonen emphasizes that finding God's will is deeply rooted in our personal relationship with Him, highlighting that many seek guidance without truly desiring God Himself. He outlines essential conditions for receiving divine guidance, including faith, self-distrust, obedience, unconditional yieldedness, and a renewed mind. Poonen stresses that faith must be coupled with earnestness and patience, while self-reliance must be replaced with a humble dependence on God. He also points out that we must be willing to submit to God's will in all areas of our lives and maintain a close, daily relationship with Him to discern His guidance. Ultimately, true guidance comes from a heart fully dedicated to seeking and obeying God.
Jesus Christ, the Only Foundation
By Samuel Davies0ISA 8:14ISA 28:16MAT 7:25LUK 2:341PE 2:41PE 2:7Samuel Davies preaches about Jesus Christ as the only foundation, emphasizing the importance of building our hopes and eternal happiness on Him alone. He explains how the stone laid in Zion is a tried, precious, and sure foundation, contrasting it with the refuge of lies that sinners trust in. Davies urges listeners to examine whether they are truly built upon this solid rock, highlighting the need to surrender all false hopes and dependencies to fully trust in Christ. He warns that rejecting this foundation will lead to inevitable ruin and encourages believers to find their rest and security in Jesus amidst life's storms and the impending judgment.
The Precious Foundation Stone
By Erlo Stegen0Faith in ChristThe Cornerstone of LifeISA 28:16ROM 8:352TI 2:191PE 2:6Erlo Stegen emphasizes the significance of Jesus Christ as the Precious Foundation Stone, highlighting that those who believe in Him will not be disappointed, while unbelievers stumble upon Him. He explains that Christ serves as the cornerstone of the Church, built with living stones cleansed by His blood, and that no persecution or tribulation can separate believers from His love. Stegen warns against the dangers of sin, which can sever our relationship with Christ, and illustrates the unwavering strength of this foundation through biblical examples of faith. He challenges listeners to evaluate what or who serves as the cornerstone of their lives, stressing that without Christ, all endeavors will ultimately fail.
The One Foundation
By H.J. Vine0ISA 28:16H.J. Vine preaches about the importance of Jesus Christ as the foundational Stone in the Scriptures, emphasizing that all building must be upon Him for true stability and blessing. Christ, the Sure Foundation, has been tested and proven perfect, enduring severe trials and remaining flawless in moral beauty. Despite being rejected by men, He is exalted by God as the Cornerstone and Head of the corner, offering salvation and unity to believers. The sermon also highlights Christ's future role in smiting the world-system and establishing His glorious administration on earth, filling the whole earth with His glory.
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0ISA 28:16JER 27:5EZK 11:22DAN 2:44MAT 21:44LUK 21:241CO 4:3REV 17:12Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the prophetic unfolding in the Book of Daniel, focusing on the great pivotal chapter introducing the times of the Gentiles. The chapter reveals the succession of world empires through the vision of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, symbolized by a great image with different metals representing Babylon, Medo-Persia, Graeco-Macedonian, and Rome. The stone cut out of the mountain, striking the image's ten toes, symbolizes Christ's Second Coming to establish His eternal Kingdom after the final form of Gentile dominion is judged. Gaebelein emphasizes the importance of understanding the prophetic timeline and the imminent fulfillment of these events.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Behold, I lay in Zion - See the notes on Gen 49:32; Psa 118:22 (note); Mat 21:42 (note); Act 4:11 (note); Rom 9:33 (note); Rom 10:11 (note); Eph 2:20 (note); Pe1 2:6-8 (note). Kimchi understands this of Hezekiah; but it most undoubtedly belongs to Jesus Christ alone; and his application of it to himself, even the Jews could not contest.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Literally, "Behold Me as Him who has laid"; namely, in My divine counsel (Rev 13:8); none save I could lay it (Isa 63:5). stone--Jesus Christ; Hezekiah [MAURER], or the temple [EWALD], do not realize the full significancy of the language; but only in type point to Him, in whom the prophecy receives its exhaustive accomplishment; whether Isaiah understood its fulness or not (Pe1 1:11-12), the Holy Ghost plainly contemplated its fulfilment in Christ alone; so in Isa 32:1; compare Gen 49:24; Psa 118:22; Mat 21:42; Rom 10:11; Eph 2:20. tried--both by the devil (Luk 4:1-13) and by men (Luke 20:1-38), and even by God (Mat 27:46); a stone of tested solidity to bear the vast superstructure of man's redemption. The tested righteousness of Christ gives its peculiar merit to His vicarious sacrifice. The connection with the context is, though a "scourge" shall visit Judea (Isa 28:15), yet God's gracious purpose as to the elect remnant, and His kingdom of which "Zion" shall be the center, shall not fail, because its rests on Messiah (Mat 7:24-25; Ti2 2:19). precious--literally, "of preciousness," so in the Greek, (Pe1 2:7). He is preciousness. corner-stone-- (Kg1 5:17; Kg1 7:9; Job 38:6); the stone laid at the corner where two walls meet and connecting them; often costly. make haste--flee in hasty alarm; but the Septuagint has "be ashamed"; so Rom 9:33, and Pe1 2:6, "be confounded," substantially the same idea; he who rests on Him shall not have the shame of disappointment, nor flee in sudden panic (see Isa 30:15; Isa 32:17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Judgment also will I lay to the line,.... A metaphor taken from builders, who in building use the line and plummet to carry on their work even and regular, retaining such stones as agree thereunto, and rejecting such as do not; signifying, that in the spiritual building, where Christ is the foundation and cornerstone, such as are built thereon shall continue and grow up regularly into a holy temple; but those that set at nought this precious stone, and build upon the sandy foundation of their own righteousness, betake themselves to a refuge of lies, and cover themselves in their own hiding places, as well as all such who go on in their sins, shall be rejected by the righteous judgment of God: and righteousness to the plummet; meaning the same as before; or, "I will lay judgment by the line, and righteousness by the plummet" (w); the rule of the divine law, by which it will appear whether their actions are agreeable to it, or the righteousness they trust in answerable to it; or the sense is, that at the same time that God would preserve and secure his own people upon the sure foundation Christ, he would punish others, according to the strict rules of justice, as his righteous law required, and according to the just demerit of sin. Kimchi interprets it, but very wrongly, of the justice and equity that should take place in the reign of Hezekiah, which were wanting at the time of this prophecy; but the preceding prophecy regards Christ, and not Hezekiah; and therefore is rather to be understood of the right and equal distribution of justice and judgment in the administration of government by him: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies; the lies they made their refuge, Isa 28:15 their lying prophets, their idols, their riches, their righteousness, and everything in which they placed their confidence; for all refuges, be they what they will, are lying ones, and will deceive, excepting Christ and his righteousness; all which are easily and at once swept away, with the besom of avenging justice, when God takes it in hand. The phrase denotes the facility and suddenness of the destruction, and the entirety of it, which should be brought about by means of a "hail" storm, the same with that in Isa 28:2 which designs the Assyrian, or rather the Roman army, since the prophecy preceding relates to the times of Christ; and it may be, by the refuge of lies may be meant the temple, in which the Jews greatly placed their confidence, as Cocceius thinks: and the waters shall overflow the hiding place; the city of Jerusalem, where they hid, and thought themselves safe: a mighty army rushing into a city, and putting the inhabitants to the sword, or to flight, or obliging them to surrender, may be fitly signified by an inundation of water; see Isa 8:7 very probably the army of the Romans under Vespasian. (w) So Gataker.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
28:16 The Lord himself is the reliable foundation stone in Jerusalem, a precious cornerstone of the true city of God. There would be real hope in Jerusalem if the leaders and the people would only turn to him. If they would trust in God, they would be secure in the most terrible storm or the most devastating earthquake (see 8:14; Ps 118:22; Matt 7:24-27; 21:42; see the application to Jesus Christ, Rom 9:33; 10:11; 1 Cor 3:11; Eph 2:20; 1 Pet 2:4-7).