The phrase “crown of glory and diadem of beauty” comes from Isaiah 28:5, which says: “In that day the Lord of hosts will be a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty, to the remnant of his people.”
To understand the meaning of this verse, we need to look at the context. Isaiah 28 is addressing the northern kingdom of Israel, who had turned away from following God. Through the prophet Isaiah, God was warning Israel of coming judgment because of their lack of faith and disobedience.
However, God also promised that there would be a remnant of faithful Israelites who would remain. It is to these faithful ones that God says he will be “a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty” (Isaiah 28:5).
So what do these terms mean?
Crown of Glory
The word “crown” often represents royalty and honor. For example, a king would wear a crown as a symbol of his authority and splendor. The crown also evoked the idea of victory and triumph.
By calling himself the “crown of glory” for his people, God is saying he will be their majestic king who brings them honor. He is the victorious conqueror who has defeated their enemies and will restore their glory as his people. God’s presence with them will signify his protection, deliverance, and restoration of their nation.
Diadem of Beauty
A diadem was a fancy ornamental headband worn by kings, queens, and others of high social status. It conveyed the idea of beauty, brilliance, and splendor.
By referring to himself as a “diadem of beauty,” God is saying he will make Israel beautifully radiant again. The phrase evokes the picture of a loving groom who beautifies his bride Israel with exquisite jewelry and dresses. God will adorn Israel with his glorious presence, making them a thing of beauty and the envy of other nations again.
In summary, by calling himself Israel’s crown and diadem, God was promising:
– To be their king who brings them honor and victory
– To restore the glory of Israel as his treasured possession
– To make Israel beautifully radiant again through his presence
– To adorn Israel like a groom adorns his bride
God is the crown of glory and diadem of beauty for all those who love him and walk in his ways. As his people, we can rest assured of his commitment to make us honorable, victorious, radiant, and beautiful as we live under his authority as our King.
Other References to God as a Crown
There are several other passages in the Bible that refer to God as a crown or diadem for his people:
Isaiah 62:3 – God promised Israel “You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” Again, the imagery of God beautifying Israel.
Lamentations 5:16 – “The crown has fallen from our head; woe to us, for we have sinned!” Here, Israel mourns the loss of God’s glory and honor over them because of their sin.
Job 19:9 – “He has stripped from me my glory and taken the crown from my head.” Job felt God had removed the crown of his dignity and honor during his time of suffering.
Proverbs 4:9 – “She [wisdom] will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.” Pursuing godly wisdom leads to a crown of blessing.
Proverbs 12:4 – “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.” A virtuous wife crowns her husband with honor.
Proverbs 14:24 – “The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly.” Wisdom leads to prosperity and security.
Proverbs 16:31 – “A gray head is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” Old age is a crown for those who lived faithfully.
Proverbs 17:6 – “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.” Family is a blessing and crown.
1 Corinthians 9:25 – “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath [crown], but we an imperishable.” The apostle Paul says eternal life is like winning an imperishable crown.
Philippians 4:1 – Paul calls the Philippian believers his “joy and crown.” Disciple-making brought Paul great rejoicing and a sense of triumph.
1 Thessalonians 2:19 – “For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?” Again, Paul takes joy and pride in believers he helped disciple.
2 Timothy 4:8 – “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” A crown awaits all who long for Jesus’ return and final salvation.
1 Peter 5:4 – “And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” An unfading crown awaits those who faithfully serve and shepherd God’s people.
Revelation 2:10 – “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Jesus promises the crown of eternal life to martyrs and the persecuted who remain faithful.
Revelation 3:11 – “I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” Perseverance yields the crown of final victory and salvation.
In all these verses, we see the consistent symbolic picture of God as the source of glory, honor, victory, prosperity, beauty, and life for his people. A crown represents the full blessing of abiding in his presence as our King. Sin removes the crown, while obedience and faithfulness lead to receiving the crown of salvation and eternal life.
What the Crown of Glory Means for Us Today
While the crown of glory had a specific context for ancient Israel, the truths surrounding God as our crown are timeless for believers. What are some implications for Christians today?
1. God desires to be our king and to rule our lives. Submitting to him brings victory, honor, and glory. Rebelling leads to loss and shame.
2. Abiding in Christ adorns us with the jewels of his presence – fruits like love, joy, peace, patience, etc. Allowing God’s Spirit to work in us beautifies us.
3. Our hope is to receive the unfading crown of eternal life when Jesus returns. Staying faithful through hardship now is worth it.
4. God rejoices over his people. As we grow in Christ, we become his crown and source of joy. Bringing others to Jesus also yields great reward.
5. Wisdom and righteousness should be our crowning glory. Foolishness and sin diminish our glory.
6. We find true meaning in life when we make pursuing God’s kingdom our crowning quest. Earthly crowns of achievement or pleasure ultimately disappoint.
So in summary, God graciously offers himself as the crown of glory and diadem of beauty for his people, granting us honor, victory, spiritual beauty, and eternal life as we submit to him as our King. Sin removes the crown, but faithfulness under trial leads to receiving the imperishable crown of salvation. As believers, being God’s crown should be our highest aspiration.
