Topical Encyclopedia Wine, a significant agricultural product in biblical times, played a crucial role in the economy and daily life of ancient Israel and surrounding regions. The commerce of wine is frequently mentioned in the Bible, reflecting its importance as a staple commodity and a symbol of prosperity and blessing.Biblical References to Wine Commerce The trade of wine is evident in several passages throughout the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, the abundance of wine is often associated with divine blessing and prosperity. For instance, in Deuteronomy 7:13, God promises to bless the fruit of the Israelites' womb, land, grain, new wine, and oil, indicating the centrality of wine in agricultural and economic life. The book of Isaiah also highlights the commercial aspect of wine. Isaiah 55:1 invites those who are thirsty to "come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost," symbolizing the free offer of God's grace but also reflecting the common practice of buying and selling wine. In the New Testament, wine commerce is implied in the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), where the vineyard owner hires laborers to work in his vineyard, a setting that presupposes the production and sale of wine. Wine as a Trade Commodity Wine was a valuable trade commodity in the ancient Near East. The Phoenicians, known for their seafaring and trade, were instrumental in spreading viticulture and wine commerce across the Mediterranean. Ezekiel 27:18 mentions the trade between Damascus and Tyre, where wine from Helbon was exchanged for goods, illustrating the extensive trade networks and the demand for quality wine. The economic significance of wine is further underscored in Hosea 2:8, where God laments that Israel attributed their grain, new wine, and oil to Baal, not recognizing them as gifts from Him. This passage highlights the role of wine in the economy and its potential to lead people away from acknowledging God's provision. Wine Production and Economic Impact The production of wine involved several stages, from vineyard cultivation to harvesting, pressing, fermenting, and storage. The process required skilled labor and significant resources, making it a substantial economic activity. The parable of the tenants in Mark 12:1-12 describes a vineyard owner who invests in a vineyard, complete with a winepress, indicating the economic investment and potential returns from wine production. Wine's economic impact extended beyond its immediate sale. It was used in religious rituals, hospitality, and as a staple in daily meals, further embedding it in the social and economic fabric of biblical societies. Moral and Ethical Considerations While wine was a symbol of blessing and prosperity, the Bible also warns against its misuse. Proverbs 20:1 cautions, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." This dual perspective on wine—both as a blessing and a potential source of moral downfall—reflects the need for responsible commerce and consumption. In summary, the commerce of wine in biblical times was a complex and integral part of the economy, deeply intertwined with agricultural practices, trade, and social customs. The Bible's references to wine commerce provide insight into the economic life of ancient societies and the moral considerations surrounding this significant commodity. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 18:13And cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. Nave's Topical Index Library Commerce The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ... In Our Last Chapter we Sought to Show that in Rev. . . Petty Dishonesty. The Way to the City The Fidelity of the Senses, Impugned by Plato, vindicated by ... The Unknown Giver and the Misused Gifts Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ... The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ... From the Flood to Abraham Resources What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol / wine? Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol / wine? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is consubstantiation? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus choose the wedding at Cana for His first miracle? | GotQuestions.org Wine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wine in Excess: Impairs the Health Wine in Excess: Impairs the Judgment and Memory Wine in Excess: Inflames the Passions Wine in Excess: Infuriates the Temper Wine in Excess: Leads to Remorse Wine in Excess: Leads to Sorrow and Contention Wine in Times of Scarcity, Was Mixed With Water Wine of the Abominations of the Apostasy Wine of the Blessing of the Gospel Wine of the Joys of Spiritual Matters Wine of the Wrath and Judgments of God Wine Press of the Judgments of God Wine Press: General Scriptures Concerning Wine Press: Treading The, of the Sufferings of Christ Wine Press: Trodden With Joy and Shouting Wine was Made of The Juice of the Grape Wine was Made of The Juice of the Pomegranate Wine was Used for Drink offerings in Idolatrous Worship Wine was Used for Drink offerings in the Worship of God Wine was Used: As a Beverage from the Earliest Age Wine was Used: At all Feasts and Entertainments Wine with Corn and Oil, Denoted all Temporal Blessings Wine: Abstinence from of Daniel Wine: Abstinence from of the Courtiers of Ahasuerus Wine: Abstinence from of Timothy Wine: Admonitions Against the Use of Wine: An Article of Extensive Commerce Wine: Cheap Wine (Like Vinegar) Given to Jesus at the Crucifixion Wine: Consequence of Putting (When New), Into Old Bottles Wine: Custom of Giving to Persons in Pain or Suffering, Mixed With Wine: Custom of Presenting to Travellers Wine: First Fruits of, to be offered to God Wine: First Mode of Making, Notice Wine: Forbidden to Nazarites During Their Separation Wine: Forbidden to Priests While on Duty Wine: Forbidden to the Priests While Engaged in the Tabernacle Wine: Generally Made by Treading the Grapes in a Press Wine: Given by Melchizedek to Abraham Wine: Given in Abundance to the Jews when Obedient Wine: Intoxication from the Use of Wine: Intoxication From: Ahasuerus Wine: Intoxication From: Amnon Wine: Intoxication From: Falsely Charged Against the Disciples Wine: Intoxication From: Joseph and his Brothers Wine: Intoxication From: Kings of Israel Wine: Intoxication From: Nabal Wine: Made by Jesus at the Marriage Feast in Cana Wine: Often Spiced to Increase Its Strength Wine: Places Celebrated For: Assyria Wine: Places Celebrated For: Canaan in General Wine: Places Celebrated For: Helbon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Lebanon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Moab Wine: Places Celebrated For: Possessions of Judah Wine: Recommended by Paul to Timothy Wine: Samson's Mother Forbidden to Drink Wine: Sometimes Mixed With Milk As a Beverage Wine: Sweet, Esteemed for Flavour and Strength Wine: Symbolical of the Blood of Jesus Wine: The Jews Frequently Deprived of, As a Punishment Wine: The Jews Frequently Drank, to Excess Wine: The Love of Christ to be Preferred To Wine: The Rechabites Never Drank Wine: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Wine: Water Miraculously Turned Into Related Terms |