The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone. (Psalm 118:22)

Construction term that it is, the “cornerstone” metaphor is used in all three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), by Peter in his second great Jerusalem sermon (Acts 4:11) and years later in his first letter (1 Peter 2:7), and also by Paul (Eph 2:20). God is always building, and He begins with Christ, the chief cornerstone. And that is where the world begins to deconstruct God’s work.

The “cornerstone” in the ancient world has been described by interpreters variously as 1) the foundation stone, the first laid stone that sets the orientation of the entire building, 2) the keystone at the top of the arch, without which the arch would fall, and 3) the crowning capstone, like the pinnacle of a pyramid or the top of a corner. The qualifier “chief” tells us that it is the most important stone in a wall. One pictures a stone mason building a wall, sorting through the stones to arrange them into a perfect wall. At every juncture he rejects the one perfect stone as unsuitable. Think of the horror when the building collapses due to the builder’s irrational rejection of the best stone for the task.

That this verse (Psalm 118:22) is used by the NT writers to depict the rejection of Christ by the Jewish people is clear. What is ironic is that the origin of this metaphor is found in a psalm of thanksgiving. As we read through Psalm 118, it begins with a general expression of gratitude to the LORD [Yahweh] for His lovingkindness (“hesed”). Then the psalm writer gives the specifics for which he is thankful: “From my distress I called upon the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me in a large place. The Lord is for me; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Ps 118:5-6). He goes on to express his confidence in the LORD in the face of his enemies (Ps 118:10-13) and exclaims, “The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation” (Ps 118:14). Then he prays, “Open to me the gates of righteousness; I shall enter through them … This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous will enter through it” (Ps 118:19-20).

Then abruptly comes verse 22 and the rejected cornerstone. But the tone is one of jubilation. The focus is not on the rejection of the stone, but on the fact that what was rejected has been made the chief stone of all. God, to the complete contrast of human expectation, chooses to glorify Himself in the things humans reject. Does this not picture the return of Christ, the Lamb who was slain, the stone that was rejected, in the last day coming in glory?

Lord, though the world rejects You, I accept You. You are my Cornerstone!