In the beginning of Hezekiah’s reign the Jewish leaders had made an alliance with Assyria, on whom they relied to protect them against any and all foes. But the prophet told them plainly that they would be disappointed, and that when the Assyrian scourge passed through the land toward Egypt, it would involve them also in disaster, v. 18. Then he broke out with this sublime description of the only foundation of security that could never fail. The deep meaning of

this prediction of the precious corner-stone is unfolded ‘in later Scriptures, Matt. 21:42; Eph. 2:20; 1 Pet. 2:7. Christ was tried by Satan and by man: he is precious: he unites the walls of Jew and Gentile that were at right-angles to each other. All our excuses and professions are too short and’too narrow when God enters into judgment. Outside of Christ there is neither peace nor safety. See that thou buildest on him a holy character of gold, silver, and precious stones, 1 Cor. 3:10, etc.