Mutual Coronation

Isaiah 62:3 has numerous parallels with Isaiah 28:1-5.

1) Both passages use the word crown (‘atarah). It appears three times in chapter 28 and again in 62:3. The word is never used elsewhere in Isaiah.

2) Both passages speak of beauty (tif’arah). In 28:1, 3, the proud crown of Ephraim is knocked off and trampled, and Ephraim is described as a ziyz (blossom, also the crown of the high priest) whose beauty (tif’arah) is fading. 28:5 uses tif’arah to describe the “diadem” of Yahweh. (In chapter 28, tif’arah puns on ‘efraim; the beauty of fruitful Ephraim is tarnished.)

Isaiah 62:3 uses tif’arah directly with ‘atarah: Israel will be an ‘ateret tif’eret in the hand of Yahweh.

Within these parallels lies a contrast. 28:1-5 climaxes with the declaration, “In that day Yahweh of hosts will become a beautiful crown and a glorious diadem to the remnant of His people.” Ephraim’s false crown is removed, but Yahweh will coronate the faithful remnant.

In 62:3, though, the coronation is reversed. Yahweh is not Israel’s crown, but Israel is Yahweh’s (in his “hand,” an odd place for a crown to be). Yahweh glorifies the remnant as their crown, but they in turn adorn and beautify Yahweh. Along with the crown, Yahweh has a “royal diadem,” as if wearing Israel signifies Yahweh’s kingship, as if wearing Israel makes Yahweh king.

This mutual crowning takes place in a marital context (61:10, 62:4-5); Yahweh the Husband has crowned His Bride, has become the crown of glory for His Bride, and she, like every excellent wife, crowns Him in turn (cf. Proverbs 12:4; Song of Songs 3:11).

A remarkable thing, to wear the living God as your headgear. Almost as remarkable as the living God wearing you.