What does Isaiah 56:12 reveal about human nature and indulgence? Text of Isaiah 56:12 “‘Come, let us get wine, and let us drink our fill of beer; and tomorrow will be like today, even far better!’ ” Immediate Context Isaiah 56:9-12 forms a unit denouncing Israel’s leaders—watchmen, shepherds, and dogs—who should protect the people spiritually but instead gorge themselves. Verse 12 records their brazen rallying cry: a toast to excess and the presumptuous assurance that indulgence will continue unabated. Historical Setting Composed in the later Isaianic corpus, the passage addresses post-exilic Judah’s religious officials. Comparable condemnations appear in Ezekiel 34:2-10 and Micah 3:1-5, underscoring a systemic failure of leadership that fostered national decline. Human Nature Exposed 1. Self-gratification: The verse highlights mankind’s bent toward immediate pleasure, dismissing future accountability (Romans 1:24-25). 2. Presumptuous optimism: Fallen hearts assume uninterrupted prosperity despite moral decay (James 4:13-16). 3. Collective corruption: Sinful impulses gain momentum when voiced corporately—“Come, let us…” echoes Babel’s “Come, let us build” (Genesis 11:4). 4. Neglect of vocation: Leaders forsake duty for appetite, mirroring Eli’s sons (1 Samuel 2:12-17) and the unfaithful steward (Matthew 24:48-51). Psychology and Behavioral Science Corroboration Empirical studies on “delay discounting” show that humans favor smaller-sooner rewards over larger-later ones, paralleling the passage’s portrait of undisciplined choice. Dopamine pathways tied to substance use disorder corroborate Scripture’s linkage between sensual excess and impaired discernment (Proverbs 23:29-35). Indulgence as Idolatry The invitation to “get wine” substitutes created pleasures for the Creator, constituting functional idolatry (Colossians 3:5). Archaeological finds from Lachish ostraca (ca. 7th century BC) reveal wine allocations for officials, illustrating how state resources could be diverted to luxury rather than covenantal responsibilities. Contrast with Divine Design Genesis 2 portrays ordered delight under God’s lordship; Isaiah 56:12 depicts disordered delight divorced from Him. The Creator endowed taste and celebration (Deuteronomy 14:26), yet Scripture warns against excess (Ephesians 5:18). Proper dominion degenerates into domination by appetite when detached from reverence. New Testament Parallels • Luke 21:34: “Be on your guard, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing and drunkenness.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:7-8: Calls believers to sobriety, highlighting qualitative distinction between darkness and light. • Revelation 18:3: Babylon’s merchants grow wealthy through “luxurious living,” echoing Isaiah’s leaders. Eschatological Implications The scoffers’ slogan “tomorrow will be… far better” prefigures 2 Peter 3:4, where mockers dismiss promised judgment. Isaiah 56:12 thus warns that unrepentant indulgence invites eschatological reckoning (Hebrews 9:27). Practical Theology 1. Personal sobriety is a gospel adornment (Titus 2:11-12). 2. Spiritual leadership requires vigilance; negligence invites corporate ruin (Acts 20:28-30). 3. Stewardship of body and resources glorifies God (1 Corinthians 10:31). 4. Community accountability—countering “Come, let us indulge” with “Come, let us ascend the mountain of the LORD” (Isaiah 2:3). Illustrative Anecdote The 1904 Welsh Revival began after young believers covenanted to “avoid anything doubtful,” contrasting Isaiah 56:12’s invitation. Societal transformation followed: tavern revenues plummeted, corroborating the redemptive impact of Spirit-wrought self-control. Redemptive Hope Though Isaiah 56:12 exposes human folly, Isaiah 57:15 assures that the High and Exalted One revives contrite hearts. The cross and resurrection of Christ supply the power to crucify fleshly desires (Galatians 5:24) and live for the will of God (1 Peter 4:2). Conclusion Isaiah 56:12 unveils the timeless human propensity toward self-indulgence, misplaced confidence, and dereliction of duty. It calls readers to sober evaluation, repentance, and dependence on the indwelling Spirit—moving from reckless appetite to God-centered delight. |
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