Isaiah 28:16

There is but one true ground of confidence Jehovah's revealed purpose with regard to Zion.

Behold, I lay Strictly: Behold, I am he that hath laid (for the Hebr. construction cf. ch. Isaiah 29:14; Isaiah 38:5). The figure of the verse requires little explanation; it is illustrated by the massive and "costly" stones which formed the foundations of Solomon's temple (1 Kings 5:17). And the general idea is that Jehovah's relation to Israel is the stable and permanent, though invisible, foundation of all God's work in the world. Beyond this it is hardly necessary to go in seeking an answer to the question, Of what is the stone an emblem? It is not Jehovah Himself, since it is Jehovah who lays it; it is not the Temple, nor Mount Zion, nor the Davidic dynasty, for these are at most but visible symbols of a spiritual fact disclosed to the prophet's faith. The foundation stone represents the one element in human history which is indestructible, viz., the purpose of God, and that purpose as historically realised in the relation which He has established between Himself and the people of Israel.

a sure foundation Transl. with R.V. of sure foundation.

he that believeth shall not make haste The LXX. reads "shall not be ashamed" (yçbôshfor yâḥîsh). Cheyne and others propose a slight emendation (yâmûsh) which gives the sense "shall not give way." This is the second great passage in which Isaiah emphasises faith as the primary condition of salvation (ch. Isaiah 7:9).

The image of the verse recurs in Psalms 118:22; and is applied to the Messiah in Romans 9:33; Rom 10:11; 1 Peter 2:6-8 (following the LXX. text).