For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until its righteousness goes forth as brightness, and its salvation as a lamp that burns. And the Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory: and you shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. (Isaiah 62:1-3)

When one reads and re-reads the Scripture, when one meditates upon the word of God for years, when one eats the manna (truth) of the LORD, mulling it over and over as the clean beasts do their cud and making it a part of their being, then one begins to see amazing things in the Bible. For example, one will begin to really notice the parallel meanings and prophecies of the Books of Isaiah and Revelation.

A consistent theme of Scripture is “many are called, but few are chosen.” God gives this theme many names including Israel, Gideon’s 300, the remnant, the rod (branch), elohim, sons of God, Bride of Christ,  overcomers, Zion, Jerusalem, and New Jerusalem. Many chapters in the books of Isaiah and Revelation relate directly to this theme. Some verses from each book actually parallel and explain verses from the other. Concerning the above passage from Isaiah notice these few facts: 1) the prophecy concerns Zion, which is also called Jerusalem here (this means that the attributes here are ascribed to Zion, not to God), 2) God works on and with Zion for he cannot rest or be at peace until 3) her righteousness goes forth and 4) her salvation burns as a lamp; 5) When this happens, i.e. when she is perfected, then the nations (gentiles) shall see her righteousness; 6) at this time Zion shall be glorified for then all kings of earth shall see her glory; 7) at this time she shall also be called by a new name, a 8) name which the LORD himself will give her; 9) she shall also be a “crown of glory” in the hand of God and 10) a “royal diadem” in his hand.

A key to understanding this passage lies in the phrase “called by a new name.” This phrase also occurs in Revelation 2:17. This verse contains the promise to overcomers in the Church of Pergamum. Pergamum represents the place where “Satan’s throne is,” and thus represents the whole earth, for at this time Satan is the god of this world. All Christians, then, belong to this church and could qualify for the prize revealed in verse 17.

He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows except him who receives it. (Revelation 2:17)

Jesus promises the world overcomer three things: 1) hidden manna to eat, 2) a white stone, and 3) a new name written on that white stone which no one knows except the individual overcomer himself or herself.

Hidden manna represents God’s word, God’s truth, which he speaks only to the overcomer. Even today God reveals some of this hidden manna to his overcomers and they, in turn, share it with others of like mind.

The white stone represents the most valuable and precious jewel of all, the highly refined, hardened, and polished diamond. This is the wedding stone given by the bridegroom to his bride at the time of her betrothal, her manifestation, her glorification. I believe this speaks of the glorified state of the overcomer at the time of his resurrection when he has become a perfect jewel before God (in a spiritual sense, not literal of course).

Finally, each overcomer receives a new name known only to him. I believe this speaks of each overcomer’s special calling and gifting in the next age or ages. I think many overcomers have some idea of what this new name may be, but many may well be surprised.

Now, when we compare this passage with Isaiah we see that the white stone dovetails with the crown of glory in God’s hand. When we think of a monarch’s crown, we think of a rim of gold encrusted with fine jewels. Throughout Scripture we see glorified man represented both ways, as gold and as jewels. Thus the crown in God’s right hand typifies all overcomers. We first gain a glimpse of this prophetic picture in that great prophesy given to Moses 3500 years ago:

And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them. Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in your hand: and they sat down at your feet; everyone shall receive of your words. (Deuteronomy 33:2-3)

So, in God’s right hand we now see 1) a crown of glory which contains the white stone, 2) a royal diadem, 3) a fiery law, and 4) all of God’s saints. These all picture the overcomer, each representing a different aspect of his spiritual reality when he is glorified.