The concept of "The Stone" in the Bible carries significant theological and symbolic meaning, appearing in various contexts throughout both the Old and New Testaments. It often represents strength, stability, and the foundation of faith, while also serving as a metaphor for Christ Himself.

Old Testament References

1. Jacob's Stone: In Genesis 28:10-22, Jacob uses a stone as a pillow during his dream at Bethel, where he sees a ladder reaching to heaven. Upon waking, he sets the stone up as a pillar and anoints it with oil, declaring it the house of God. This stone symbolizes God's presence and the covenant with Jacob.

2. The Stone Tablets: The Ten Commandments were inscribed by God on stone tablets, as described in Exodus 31:18. These stone tablets represent the enduring and unchanging nature of God's law.

3. The Cornerstone: In Isaiah 28:16, the Lord declares, "Behold, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken." This cornerstone is a prophetic reference to the Messiah, who will be the foundation of God's people.

4. Daniel's Vision: In Daniel 2:34-35, a stone "cut out without hands" strikes the statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, symbolizing the establishment of God's eternal kingdom that will crush all earthly kingdoms.

New Testament Fulfillment

1. Christ as the Cornerstone: The New Testament identifies Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the cornerstone prophecy. In Ephesians 2:20, Paul writes, "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." This signifies that Christ is the essential foundation of the Church.

2. The Stone of Stumbling: In 1 Peter 2:7-8, Peter refers to Jesus as "the stone the builders rejected," which has become "the cornerstone," and "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense." This highlights the division Christ brings, as some accept Him as Savior while others reject Him.

3. The Living Stone: In 1 Peter 2:4-5, believers are called to come to Christ, "the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight." Believers, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house, emphasizing the communal and spiritual nature of the Church.

4. The Rock of Salvation: In Matthew 16:18, Jesus tells Peter, "on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." While interpretations vary, this passage underscores the foundational role of faith in Christ for the Church's endurance.

Symbolism and Theology

The stone imagery in the Bible is rich with meaning, often pointing to Christ as the foundation of faith and the Church. It signifies strength, permanence, and divine authority. The stone that the builders rejected becoming the cornerstone is a powerful testament to God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, who is both a refuge for believers and a stumbling block for those who reject Him. The stone serves as a reminder of God's unchanging nature and His ultimate sovereignty over all creation.