The chapter opens (verses 1-6) with an amazing “play” on words. It tells the story of two crowns. Let me show you the tragedy of sin.
Initially, in verses 1-4, is depicted a crown of ignominy (as opposed to the “Crown of Glory” Peter later mentions in the New Testament) reserved for the people of Ephraim, the Ten Tribes, the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
Watch: “Woe to the CROWN of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine! Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, which as a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand. The CROWN of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet: and the glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be a fading flower, and as the hasty fruit before the summer; which when he that looketh upon it seeth, while it is yet in his hand he eateth it up.” Isaiah 28:1-4, where the Lord Himself just may be a little sarcastic! But in a proper sense.
“Drunkards!”
Whom the Lord is going to scourge with an attacking enemy army (Assyria), here denoted as “a mighty and strong one.”
Invading their Land like a “hailstorm,” like a “flood of mighty waters! Hurling Ephraim to the ground “with the hand, “ literally we’d say “with one hand!” Fierce infantrymen … stomping that sinful little nation “under their feet!”
Wow, what a steep prince … the wages of sin!
THEIR CROWN OF PRIDE HAS BEEN BROKEN! INSTEAD, SHAME HAS COME!
But now to the second crown. This one reserved for the faithful “remnant” (here translated “residue”) of God’s people. And this may be where Peter got his term to begin with, “crown of glory.” The New Testament hundreds of times quotes the Old Testament, either directly or indirectly.
“In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a CROWN of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people, and for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.” Isaiah 28:5-6, where “parallelism” is beautifully employed. As in “crown of glory” then immediately (in apposition, explanation) “diadem of beauty!”
Look what God will do for His faithful people: restoring “judgment” to the judges! He gives them common sense, wisdom, Biblical understanding! (There are a lot of judges in this Country who need heavy doses of such noble qualities!) God further restores bravery to the army! God will be STRENGTH to those who defend their city at the gates! (David in Psalm 18:1 … “I will love thee, O LORD, my STRENGTH.”)
Wow!
Promises made by our loving Lord … to a people yet living in sin. But looking forward to the Day of Salvation.
Two Crowns … one of PRIDE (wicked), the other of GLORY (righteous)! One signifying sin and defeat, the other approval of God!
Sure makes me want to live right!
How about you?
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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