Meaning of Psalms 118:22

This verse, Psalm 118:22, proclaims a profound paradox: that the very element deemed worthless and discarded by human efforts has been elevated to the most crucial position in construction. The "stone the builders rejected" signifies something or someone initially disregarded, deemed unfit, or actively cast aside by those responsible for a project or structure. Yet, this same rejected element has been transformed into the "cornerstone," the foundational stone that dictates the orientation and stability of the entire edifice, connecting two walls at a right angle and determining the building's alignment. This is not merely a statement about architectural practice but a powerful metaphor for divine action, where what appears to be failure or insignificance in human eyes is revalued and established by God as essential.

Context and Background

Psalm 118 is a psalm of thanksgiving and praise, likely used in temple worship, particularly during festivals like the Feast of Tabernacles or Passover. It recounts deliverance from enemies and celebrates God's steadfast love. The imagery of building and a rejected stone would have resonated with the Israelites, who understood the practicalities of constructing their homes and the Temple. The psalm moves from a narrative of distress and deliverance to a declaration of God's victory and a call to praise. Within this broader context of God's redemptive work and triumph, the rejected stone's elevation underscores God's ability to bring good out of apparent defeat.

Key Themes and Messages

The central themes are divine vindication, reversal of fortune, and the sovereignty of God. It highlights that human judgment is fallible and often contrary to God's purposes. What is despised by men can be chosen and exalted by God. The verse speaks to the idea that God's plan does not rely on human approval or expertise but on His own wisdom and power. It is a message of hope for the overlooked, the marginalized, and the seemingly defeated, assuring them that their value is determined by God, not by human assessment.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse is a powerful declaration of God's redemptive plan and the role of the Messiah. Christians universally interpret this verse as a prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ. He was rejected by the religious leaders of His day (the "builders" of the religious establishment), crucified, and seemingly defeated. However, through His resurrection and ascension, God has made Him the "cornerstone" of the new spiritual building – the Church. He is the foundation upon which all believers are built, the one who provides stability, direction, and unity to the community of faith. For individuals, it means that even if they feel rejected, unaccepted, or insignificant by the world, God can take them and make them vital to His purposes.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a pivotal point in understanding the Messiah's work. It foreshadows the rejection and subsequent exaltation of Christ, a theme that runs throughout the New Testament. God's pattern of choosing the weak to shame the strong, and of exalting the humble, is a recurring narrative thread from Abraham and Joseph to David and Jesus. Psalm 118:22 encapsulates this divine methodology, demonstrating that God's kingdom is built not on worldly power or prestige but on His chosen King, who, despite suffering, ultimately triumphs and becomes the indispensable foundation.

Analogies

One analogy is a diamond in the rough. A rough stone might appear unappealing and be overlooked by many, but with expert cutting and polishing, its inherent brilliance is revealed, making it far more valuable than many superficially attractive stones. Another is a seed. A tiny seed, seemingly insignificant and easily trampled, is rejected by the gardener if left on the surface, but when planted and nurtured, it becomes the source of a great plant, providing food or beauty. The rejected stone is like the seed that, though buried and seemingly lost, becomes the very foundation for new life and growth.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse finds significant echoes in other parts of Scripture.

• Isaiah 5:20: "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" This highlights the flawed judgment of those who reject what is truly good.
• Matthew 21:42: Jesus directly quotes Psalm 118:22 in reference to Himself, stating, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this comes from the Lord and is wonderful in our eyes."
• Acts 4:11: Peter reiterates this application of the verse, declaring to the Jewish council that Jesus is "the stone of Israel that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone."
• Ephesians 2:20: This verse describes the Church as being "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone."
• 1 Peter 2:4-7: Peter further elaborates on Christ as the living stone, rejected by men but chosen by God and precious, and states that believers, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house.