What consequences arise from "rise early to pursue strong drink" in Isaiah 5:11? The Warning in Isaiah 5:11 “Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their strong drink, who linger into the evening to be inflamed by wine.” Why the Early Pursuit Matters • Rising early shows eagerness, even urgency—strong drink has become the day’s first priority. • Morning hours meant for worship, work, and service are surrendered to self-indulgence. • A habit that begins the day in dissipation shapes every other decision that follows. Consequences Listed in the Passage • Divine Woe – The word “woe” signals God’s pronounced judgment; this lifestyle invites His direct displeasure. • Dulled Spiritual Perception – “They do not regard the deeds of the LORD, nor consider the work of His hands.” (v. 12) Continual intoxication blinds the heart to God’s activity. • Exile and Loss – “Therefore My people go into exile for lack of knowledge; their honorable men go hungry, and their multitudes are parched with thirst.” (v. 13) National ruin follows personal ruin. • Death’s Advance – “Therefore Sheol enlarges its throat and opens wide its mouth….” (v. 14) Unchecked indulgence speeds society toward grave consequences—literally. • Humiliation of the Proud – “So man shall be brought low and mankind humbled….” (v. 15) What promised exhilaration ends in shame. Echoes Elsewhere in Scripture • Proverbs 23:29-32 – Strong drink “bites like a serpent.” • Habakkuk 2:15 – Bringing woe on self and others through alcohol. • Ephesians 5:18 – “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 – Believers are called to sobriety because they belong to the day. Personal and Community Fallout • Misspent resources and time. • Fractured relationships and unmet responsibilities. • Desensitized conscience, making repentance harder. • Erosion of witness—God’s people reflect the world instead of His holiness. Timeless Takeaways • Whatever rules the morning rules the life; make Christ, not cravings, first. • Continued indulgence dulls the ability to see God at work. • Private habits ripple into public crises—family, church, and nation suffer. • God’s warnings are mercy; heed them and exchange “woe” for blessing (Isaiah 1:18-19; 55:7). |
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