Isaiah Chapter 28 · Verse 5

Authorized King James Version

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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,

Original Language Analysis

בַּיּ֣וֹם In that day H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם In that day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 1 of 11
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֗וּא H1931
הַה֗וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 2 of 11
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יִֽהְיֶה֙ H1961
יִֽהְיֶה֙
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 3 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יְהוָ֣ה shall the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֣ה shall the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 4 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֔וֹת of hosts H6635
צְבָא֔וֹת of hosts
Strong's: H6635
Word #: 5 of 11
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
לַעֲטֶ֣רֶת be for a crown H5850
לַעֲטֶ֣רֶת be for a crown
Strong's: H5850
Word #: 6 of 11
a crown
צְבִ֔י of glory H6643
צְבִ֔י of glory
Strong's: H6643
Word #: 7 of 11
a gazelle (as beautiful)
וְלִצְפִירַ֖ת and for a diadem H6843
וְלִצְפִירַ֖ת and for a diadem
Strong's: H6843
Word #: 8 of 11
a crown (as encircling the head); also a turn of affairs (i.e., mishap)
תִּפְאָרָ֑ה of beauty H8597
תִּפְאָרָ֑ה of beauty
Strong's: H8597
Word #: 9 of 11
ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)
לִשְׁאָ֖ר unto the residue H7605
לִשְׁאָ֖ר unto the residue
Strong's: H7605
Word #: 10 of 11
a remainder
עַמּֽוֹ׃ of his people H5971
עַמּֽוֹ׃ of his people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 11 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis & Commentary

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, After pronouncing judgment on Ephraim's false crown (v.1-4), Isaiah pivots to Judah's true crown: the LORD of hosts (Yahweh tseva'ot, יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, LORD of armies/heavenly hosts). This title emphasizes God's sovereign power and military might—everything Ephraim falsely trusted in their own strength. In that day points to both immediate context (when Ephraim falls, Judah will see God's superiority) and eschatological fulfillment.

For a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty (le'ateret tsevi ul-tsefir-at tif'arah, לַעֲטֶרֶת צְבִי וְלִצְפִירַת תִּפְאָרָה) directly contrasts Ephraim's fading crown (v.1). Their glory was temporary, perishing; God's glory is eternal, imperishable. A tsefir (צְפִיר) is a turban or royal diadem. Unto the residue of his people (lish'ar ammo, לִשְׁאָר עַמּוֹ, to the remnant of His people) indicates those who survive judgment by trusting God rather than themselves. The remnant theology runs throughout Isaiah—not all Israel is Israel (Romans 9:6), but a faithful remnant inherits promises.

Historical Context

When Northern Israel fell (722 BC), Judah initially took warning and experienced Hezekiah's reforms (2 Kings 18:1-7). For a time, they made the LORD their crown rather than political alliances or military might. However, later generations returned to trusting Egypt and themselves, leading to Babylonian exile (586 BC). Ultimately, Christ fulfills this as believers' true crown—He is our glory, beauty, righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30). Revelation 2:10 promises the crown of life to faithful believers; 1 Peter 5:4 speaks of the unfading crown of glory when the Chief Shepherd appears.

Questions for Reflection