Definition: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this beautiful and somewhat complex verse from Isaiah 28:16. It’s really rich with meaning, so we’ll go through it step by step: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s plan for the future of Israel and ultimately, for the entire world. It speaks of a foundation – something incredibly solid and reliable – that will be established in Jerusalem, which represents God's presence and Kingdom. Let's unpack it word by word: “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD…” - This is just establishing who’s speaking: it’s the Lord God, referring to a powerful and authoritative figure. “…Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation…” – “Behold” means “look!” Here, God is establishing something – laying down a foundation. “Zion” refers to Jerusalem, which was the center of Israel's worship and home. So, this means God is putting down his presence and establishing his plan in that city. “…a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation:” - This is where it gets interesting. “Stone” represents stability, strength, and reliability. "Tried stone" emphasizes that this isn’t just any ordinary stone; it's one that has endured for a long time. “A precious corner stone” suggests this foundation will be incredibly valuable and important. “A sure foundation” means it won’t crumble or shift. “He that believeth shall not make haste.” – This is the crucial part. "Believeth" means “believe.” The phrase “He that believes” refers to those who trust in God's plan. The rest of the sentence says: “He who believes shall not make haste.” This means don’t rush or act prematurely . Don't hurry into action before God has fully prepared everything. Putting it all together – a simplified explanation: God is establishing his Kingdom and purpose in Jerusalem, which represents his presence. He wants to create a solid foundation for this kingdom that will be strong and reliable. This foundation isn’t something easily built or broken; it's one that God promises will endure. Importantly, believing in God and trusting him is what makes the foundation secure. We shouldn’t rush into things without understanding and waiting for God’s complete plan. Why is this a significant verse? This passage speaks to the idea of God’s timing – that his plans unfold gradually over time. It's a call to patience, faith, and trust in God’s ultimate purpose. It anticipates a future where God's Kingdom will be fully realized. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific event in Bible history (like the construction of Jerusalem)? Discuss its symbolism and potential meaning?