After speaking of the definition of prophesy, Jacob is “led on by the Spirit unto prophesying.” He had also let his thoughts return to the house of Israel in the Old World. The combination of understanding the importance of the atoning mission of the Messiah, the loss of that understanding among the Old World house of Israel, and the future rejection of the Messiah by those who should have received him with gladness, led Jacob to a discussion of how the reconciliation would occur. Specifically, he asks “how is it possible that these, after having rejected the sure foundation, can ever build upon it, that it may become the head of their corner?” To explain, he will return to the scriptures. This time not to Isaiah, but to Zenos.
Jacob’s introductory question signals the use of the scriptures by alluding to scripture. He referenced Psalm 118:22: “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.”