In prophetic vision Isaiah was shown that this stone was a symbol of the Saviour of the world. He says: “Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.” Carried down in prophetic vision to the first advent, the prophet is shown that Christ is to bear trials and tests of which the treatment of the chief corner-stone in the temple of Solomon is a symbol: “Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone, a sure foundation; he that believeth shall not make haste.” {3SP 37.2}

Esajas så i et syn, at denne sten var et symbol på verdens forløser. (38) Han siger: "Hærskares Herre, ham skal I holde hellige, han skal være deres frygt, han skal vare eders rædsel. Han bliver en helligdom, en anstødssten og en klippe til fald for begge Israels huse og en snare og et fangegarn for Jerusalems indbyggere, og mange iblandt dem skal snuble, falde og kvæstes, fanges og hildes." (Es 8,13-15) Profeten ser i dette syn hen til Kristi første komme, og Herren viser ham, hvorledes Kristus skal udholde de prøver, som fremstilles ved behandlingen af hovedhjørnestenen i Salomons tempel. "Derfor, så siger den Herre Herren: Se, jeg lægger i Zion en prøvet sten, en urokkelig, kostelig hjørnesten; tror man, haster man ikke." (Es 28,16)