Verses 5-6 do not say that Yahweh will give a crown, a diadem, “a spirit of justice,” and “strength,” but that he will be all these things. They are metaphors, which may be expressed as similes by saying “Yahweh will be like a crown….”

For In that day, see the comments on 2.11.

The LORD of hosts will be a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty, to the remnant of his people: The people of Israel once wore a crown of wilted flowers, but in the future Yahweh himself will become their beautiful crown. For the LORD of hosts, see the comments on 1.9. The Hebrew expression rendered will be means “will become” in this context. For crown, glory and beauty, see Isa 28.1. Diadem is a synonym for crown, which explains why Good News Translation combines them, saying “crown of flowers.” New Revised Standard Version and Revised English Bible have “garland” and “diadem.” The image of wearing Yahweh as a glorious crown means that his people will take pride in him, implying that they will worship him again.

The remnant of his people refers to God’s remaining people; see the comments on 10.22. The Israelites disobeyed God, but he will not abandon them completely.

Translation examples for this verse are:

• At that time Yahweh of hosts will become for the remnant of his people a glorious garland, a beautiful diadem.

• At that time Yahweh of hosts will be like a glorious garland and a beautiful crown for those of his people who are left.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .