A WREATH FOR THE REMNANT

In that day the LORD Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of his people. He will be a spirit of justice to the one who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate. —Isaiah 28:5, 6

According to Isaiah’s prophecy, the glory of Samaria would soon fade like a flower, and “that wreath, the pride of Ephraim’s drunkards, will be trampled underfoot” (Isaiah 28:3) when attacked by the Assyrian king Shalmanezer. By contrast, God Himself would be the glorious crown and unfading wreath of the remnant of the people of Judah (see Isaiah 28:5). God’s promises were not merely nice poetry or a hopeful sentiment.

The restoration of Israel would make practical differences in their lives and in their society in that day. First, God’s presence and power would mean that their society would work toward greater justice. “He will give a longing for justice to their judges” (Isaiah 28:6, NLT). Because of what God had done for them, they would seek to live by the principles of justice that God had given to the people in the laws of Moses. They would set right injustices, judge fairly for the poor, and care for the widows, the orphans, and the foreigners living among them.

God’s presence and influence would also be a source of courage for those who would defend the people against attacks from their enemies.

“He will give great courage to their warriors who stand at the gates” (Isaiah 28:6, NLT). This could include both their political and military leaders.

By relying on God, more courageous leadership would foster a more confident, hopeful society. For the people in Zion—the city of God—He would be “a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic” (Isaiah 28:16).