Isaiah 5:11
Verse
Context
Woes to the Wicked
10For ten acres of vineyard will yield but a bath of wine, and a homer of seed only an ephah of grain. ” 11Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine. 12At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands.
Sermons
Billy Sunday
John Piper
Catherine Booth
George FoxSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Wo unto them that rise up early - There is a likeness between this and the following passage of the prophet Amos, Amo 6:3-6, who probably wrote before Isaiah. If the latter be the copier, he seems hardly to have equalled the elegance of the original: - "Ye that put far away the evil day And affect the seat of violence; Who lie upon beds of ivory, And stretch yourselves upon your couches; And eat the lambs from the flock, And calves from the midst of the stall; Who chant to the sound of the viol, And like David invent for yourselves instruments of music; Who quaff wine in large bowls, And are anointed with the choicest ointments: But are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph." Kimchi says, "they consider not the heavens nor their hosts: they pray not the morning nor the evening prayer unto the Lord." Follow strong drink - Theodoret and Chrysostom on this place, both Syrians, and unexceptionable witnesses in what belongs to their own country, inform us that שכר shechar (σικερα in the Greek of both Testaments, rendered by us by the general term strong drink) meant properly palm wine, or date wine, which was and is still much in use in the Eastern countries. Judea was famous for the abundance and excellence of its palm trees; and consequently had plenty of this wine. "Fiunt (vina) et e pomis; primumque e palmis, quo Parthi et Indi utun tur, et oriens totus: maturarum modio in aquae congiis tribus macerato expressoque." Plin. lib. 14:19. "Ab his cariotae [palmae] maxime celebrantur; et cibo quidem, sed et succo, uberrimae. Ex quibus praecipua vina orienti; iniqua capiti, unde porno nomen." Id. 13:9. Καρος signifies stupefaction: and in Hebrew likewise the wine has its name from its remarkably inebriating quality.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The second woe, for which the curse about to fall upon vinedressing (Isa 5:10) prepared the way by the simple association of ideas, is directed against the debauchees, who in their carnal security carried on their excesses even in the daylight. "Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning to run after strong drink; who continue till late at night with wine inflaming them!" Boker (from bâkar, bakara, to slit, to tear up, or split) is the break of day; and nesheph (from nâshaph, to blow) the cool of the evening, including the night (Isa 21:4; Isa 59:10); 'ichr, to continue till late, as in Pro 23:30 : the construct state before words with a preposition, as in Isa 9:2; Isa 28:9, and many other passages (Ges. 116, 1). Shēcâr, in connection with yayin, is the general name for every other kind of strong drink, more especially for wines made artificially from fruit, honey, raisins, dates, etc., including barley-wine (οἶνος κρίθινος) or beer (ἐκ κριθῶν μέθυ in Aeschylus, also called βρῦτον βρυτόν ζῦθος ζύθος, and by many other names), a beverage known in Egypt, which was half a wine country and half a beer country, from as far back as the time of the Pharaohs. The form shēcâr is composed, like ענב (with the fore-tone tsere), from shâcar, to intoxicate; according to the Arabic, literally to close by stopping up, i.e., to stupefy. (Note: It is a question, therefore, whether the name of sugar is related to it or not. The Arabic sakar corresponds to the Hebrew shecâr; but sugar is called sukkar, Pers. 'sakkar, 'sakar, no doubt equivalent to σἀκχαρι (Arrian in Periplus, μἐλι τὸ καλἀμινον τὸ λεγὀμενου σἀκχαρι), saccharum, an Indian word, which is pronounced Carkarâ in Sanscrit and sakkara in Prakrit, and signifies "forming broken pieces," i.e., sugar in grains or small lumps (brown sugar). The art of boiling sugar from the cane was an Indian invention (see Lassen, Indische Alterthumskunde, i. 269ff.). The early Egyptian name for beer is hek (Brugsch, Recueil, p. 118); the demotic and hieratic name henk, the Coptic henke. The word ζῦθος ζὐθος) is also old Egyptian. In the Book of the Dead (79, 8) the deceased says, "I have taken sacrificial cakes from the table, I have drunk seth-t in the evening." Moses Stuart wrote an Essay upon the Wines and Strong Drinks of the Ancient Hebrews, which was published in London (1831), with a preface by J. Pye Smith.) The clauses after the two participles are circumstantial clauses (Ewald, 341, b), indicating the circumstances under which they ran out so early, and sat till long after dark: they hunted after mead, they heated themselves with wine, namely, to drown the consciousness of their deeds of darkness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Second Woe--against intemperance. early--when it was regarded especially shameful to drink (Act 2:15; Th1 5:7). Banquets for revelry began earlier than usual (Ecc 10:16-17). strong drink--Hebrew, sichar, implying intoxication. continue--drinking all day till evening.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning,.... To rise up early in the morning is healthful, and to rise to do business is commendable; but to spend the day in drunkenness and intemperance is very criminal, which is here meant: that they may follow, strong drink; not only drink it, but follow on to drink; diligently seek after it, where the best is to be had; go from house to house till they have found it; closely follow the drinking of it, till inebriated with it: that continue until night; at their pots, with their drinking companions, even all the day till night comes, the twilight either of the evening or of the morning: till wine inflame them; their bodies with heat, and their souls with lust.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:11-17 What sorrow: The second threat of judgment concerned indulgent lifestyles. The language throughout this section indicates a life of corruption.
Isaiah 5:11
Woes to the Wicked
10For ten acres of vineyard will yield but a bath of wine, and a homer of seed only an ephah of grain. ” 11Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine. 12At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Anti-Booze Efforts
By Billy Sunday8.2K00:43Moral IntegrityAlcoholismPSA 104:14PRO 20:1PRO 23:29ISA 5:11ROM 14:211CO 6:19GAL 5:19EPH 5:181TI 5:231PE 5:8Billy Sunday passionately preaches against alcohol, expressing his determination to combat the saloon culture that he believes leads to the destruction of lives and families. He emphasizes his commitment to fighting against the influence of alcohol in society, vowing to continue his efforts until he can no longer physically do so. His fervor reflects a deep concern for the future of the youth and the moral fabric of America, as he envisions a nation free from the grip of alcohol.
The Damnation Army, Its Victims and Its Sponsors
By George Kulp0EST 1:8PRO 20:1PRO 31:6ISA 5:11HAB 2:15MAT 11:28ROM 13:131CO 6:10GAL 5:21EPH 5:18George Kulp passionately preaches about the irreconcilable hostility between the Church and the saloon, emphasizing the need for Christians to take a stand against the liquor traffic by aligning themselves with God's position. He highlights the responsibility of the Church to lead the moral reform movement against the saloon, drawing parallels to historical movements like the anti-slavery agitation. Kulp urges Christians to save the youth from the dangers of the liquor traffic, emphasizing the devastating impact on families and society. He challenges the sponsors of the liquor traffic, pointing out the complicity of society in allowing the spread of this destructive industry.
Total Abstinence and Church Membership
By John Piper0LEV 10:9PRO 20:1ISA 5:11ROM 12:2ROM 14:201CO 6:12GAL 6:14EPH 5:171TI 5:23John Piper preaches on the topic of total abstinence from alcoholic drinks and its relation to church membership. He emphasizes that while total abstinence is the best approach towards alcohol, it should not be a requirement for church membership. Piper delves into the Biblical principles and personal convictions that guide his decision for total abstinence, highlighting the importance of conscience, the mind-altering effects of alcohol, its addictive nature, and the social statement it makes. He suggests amending the Church Covenant to include a pledge to abstain from harmful substances and practices without specifying them, allowing for differing convictions while promoting a holistic view of caring for one's body and others.
Strong Drink Versus Christianity
By Catherine Booth0PRO 20:1PRO 23:20PRO 23:29ISA 5:11ROM 14:211CO 6:10GAL 5:19EPH 5:181PE 5:8Catherine Booth preaches on the value of temperance in religious aggressive effort, emphasizing the need for Christians to actively engage in delivering others from evil habits and the bondage of Satan. She highlights the detrimental effects of intoxicating drinks on society, attributing a large portion of wickedness, crime, and misery to their consumption. Booth stresses the importance of total abstinence as a crucial element in successful aggressive efforts, urging Christians to denounce the use of strong drink as irreligious and immoral, and to deal with it decisively for the well-being of individuals and the advancement of God's kingdom.
Epistle 381
By George Fox0Godly ParentingModerationJOB 28:28PSA 34:11PRO 22:6ISA 5:2ISA 5:11ROM 2:231CO 10:311TI 4:41JN 2:16JUD 1:12REV 11:18George Fox emphasizes the responsibility of vintners and innkeepers to ensure that they serve alcohol only in moderation, promoting health and gratitude towards God's creations. He warns against the dangers of excessive drinking and the spiritual consequences of neglecting God's work, urging all to live soberly and in the fear of God. Additionally, he calls on Christian families to raise their children in a godly manner, avoiding worldly temptations and fostering a life that honors God, which ultimately leads to blessings for families and communities.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Wo unto them that rise up early - There is a likeness between this and the following passage of the prophet Amos, Amo 6:3-6, who probably wrote before Isaiah. If the latter be the copier, he seems hardly to have equalled the elegance of the original: - "Ye that put far away the evil day And affect the seat of violence; Who lie upon beds of ivory, And stretch yourselves upon your couches; And eat the lambs from the flock, And calves from the midst of the stall; Who chant to the sound of the viol, And like David invent for yourselves instruments of music; Who quaff wine in large bowls, And are anointed with the choicest ointments: But are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph." Kimchi says, "they consider not the heavens nor their hosts: they pray not the morning nor the evening prayer unto the Lord." Follow strong drink - Theodoret and Chrysostom on this place, both Syrians, and unexceptionable witnesses in what belongs to their own country, inform us that שכר shechar (σικερα in the Greek of both Testaments, rendered by us by the general term strong drink) meant properly palm wine, or date wine, which was and is still much in use in the Eastern countries. Judea was famous for the abundance and excellence of its palm trees; and consequently had plenty of this wine. "Fiunt (vina) et e pomis; primumque e palmis, quo Parthi et Indi utun tur, et oriens totus: maturarum modio in aquae congiis tribus macerato expressoque." Plin. lib. 14:19. "Ab his cariotae [palmae] maxime celebrantur; et cibo quidem, sed et succo, uberrimae. Ex quibus praecipua vina orienti; iniqua capiti, unde porno nomen." Id. 13:9. Καρος signifies stupefaction: and in Hebrew likewise the wine has its name from its remarkably inebriating quality.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The second woe, for which the curse about to fall upon vinedressing (Isa 5:10) prepared the way by the simple association of ideas, is directed against the debauchees, who in their carnal security carried on their excesses even in the daylight. "Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning to run after strong drink; who continue till late at night with wine inflaming them!" Boker (from bâkar, bakara, to slit, to tear up, or split) is the break of day; and nesheph (from nâshaph, to blow) the cool of the evening, including the night (Isa 21:4; Isa 59:10); 'ichr, to continue till late, as in Pro 23:30 : the construct state before words with a preposition, as in Isa 9:2; Isa 28:9, and many other passages (Ges. 116, 1). Shēcâr, in connection with yayin, is the general name for every other kind of strong drink, more especially for wines made artificially from fruit, honey, raisins, dates, etc., including barley-wine (οἶνος κρίθινος) or beer (ἐκ κριθῶν μέθυ in Aeschylus, also called βρῦτον βρυτόν ζῦθος ζύθος, and by many other names), a beverage known in Egypt, which was half a wine country and half a beer country, from as far back as the time of the Pharaohs. The form shēcâr is composed, like ענב (with the fore-tone tsere), from shâcar, to intoxicate; according to the Arabic, literally to close by stopping up, i.e., to stupefy. (Note: It is a question, therefore, whether the name of sugar is related to it or not. The Arabic sakar corresponds to the Hebrew shecâr; but sugar is called sukkar, Pers. 'sakkar, 'sakar, no doubt equivalent to σἀκχαρι (Arrian in Periplus, μἐλι τὸ καλἀμινον τὸ λεγὀμενου σἀκχαρι), saccharum, an Indian word, which is pronounced Carkarâ in Sanscrit and sakkara in Prakrit, and signifies "forming broken pieces," i.e., sugar in grains or small lumps (brown sugar). The art of boiling sugar from the cane was an Indian invention (see Lassen, Indische Alterthumskunde, i. 269ff.). The early Egyptian name for beer is hek (Brugsch, Recueil, p. 118); the demotic and hieratic name henk, the Coptic henke. The word ζῦθος ζὐθος) is also old Egyptian. In the Book of the Dead (79, 8) the deceased says, "I have taken sacrificial cakes from the table, I have drunk seth-t in the evening." Moses Stuart wrote an Essay upon the Wines and Strong Drinks of the Ancient Hebrews, which was published in London (1831), with a preface by J. Pye Smith.) The clauses after the two participles are circumstantial clauses (Ewald, 341, b), indicating the circumstances under which they ran out so early, and sat till long after dark: they hunted after mead, they heated themselves with wine, namely, to drown the consciousness of their deeds of darkness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Second Woe--against intemperance. early--when it was regarded especially shameful to drink (Act 2:15; Th1 5:7). Banquets for revelry began earlier than usual (Ecc 10:16-17). strong drink--Hebrew, sichar, implying intoxication. continue--drinking all day till evening.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning,.... To rise up early in the morning is healthful, and to rise to do business is commendable; but to spend the day in drunkenness and intemperance is very criminal, which is here meant: that they may follow, strong drink; not only drink it, but follow on to drink; diligently seek after it, where the best is to be had; go from house to house till they have found it; closely follow the drinking of it, till inebriated with it: that continue until night; at their pots, with their drinking companions, even all the day till night comes, the twilight either of the evening or of the morning: till wine inflame them; their bodies with heat, and their souls with lust.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:11-17 What sorrow: The second threat of judgment concerned indulgent lifestyles. The language throughout this section indicates a life of corruption.