The cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.*
The above left picture is of the temple cornerstone in Jerusalem (2008). It is part of the last remaining segment of the Western wall of the Second Temple. Now commonly known as the Wailing wall.
This stone is incredibly significant. It held the weight and tension of the entire second Jewish temple (right photo)! Placed in the corner of the structure where the slope ended it supported all the other walls and foundations. That’s why it’s so huge! (The slab is the one below the piece with holes in it. For some perspective those holes are about the size of tennis balls).
Peter the Apostle wrote in 1 Peter 2:4-6,
“As you come to him, the living stone – rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him – you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”"
Christ is our living cornerstone. Paul said of Him “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together”. He is the foundation we stand on and the hope we have.
In order to get the stone into its position workers had to roll it down the slope on ball bearings. When the stone was in position they would put weight on it and it would crush the bearings and be secured in its place. This same event was carried out on the cross when Gods cornerstone, Jesus Christ, crushed the enemies work and freed us from sin.
Incredible God.
Strahan.
*Wikipedia